As practitioners dedicated to improving the mental health outcomes of children, it is essential to stay informed about the latest research. A recent study titled ‘It’s not like real therapy’: young people receiving child welfare services’ experiences of video consultations in mental healthcare in Norway: a mixed methods approach provides valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of video consultations (VC) in child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS). This blog will explore the findings of this study and suggest ways practitioners can implement these insights to enhance their online therapy services.
Understanding the Research Findings
The study utilized a mixed methods approach, including qualitative interviews and a quantitative survey, to explore how young people receiving child welfare services (CWS) in Norway experience video consultations. The qualitative interviews involved 10 participants aged 15–19, while the survey included 232 participants aged 16–24, of which 36 had received video consultations.
Key Findings
- Therapeutic Relationship: Many participants felt that video consultations were more superficial and less binding compared to in-person sessions. They reported difficulties in establishing a therapeutic relationship, which is crucial for effective therapy.
- Communication Challenges: Several participants found it harder to express themselves on screen and felt that the therapists could not read their moods as effectively as in-person sessions.
- Flexibility and Control: Some participants appreciated the ability to regulate closeness and distance during video consultations, finding it easier to end sessions when they felt overwhelmed.
- Practical Considerations: Video consultations were seen as timesaving, especially for those living far from mental health services. However, technical issues such as poor internet connection were highlighted as significant drawbacks.
Implementing Research Insights
Based on these findings, practitioners can take several steps to improve the quality of online therapy for children:
- Enhance Communication: Utilize techniques to improve non-verbal communication, such as ensuring good lighting and camera angles that capture facial expressions. Encourage children to use gestures and other non-verbal cues to express themselves.
- Build Stronger Relationships: Spend initial sessions focusing on building rapport and trust. Consider combining in-person sessions with video consultations to strengthen the therapeutic relationship.
- Provide Flexibility: Allow children to have some control over the session's pace and duration. This can help them feel more comfortable and reduce the pressure of constant interaction.
- Address Technical Issues: Ensure that both the therapist and the child have access to a stable internet connection and are familiar with the digital platform being used. Offer technical support if needed.
- Incorporate User Feedback: Regularly seek feedback from children about their experiences with video consultations and make adjustments based on their input. This can help tailor the therapy to better meet their needs.
Encouraging Further Research
The study also highlights the need for further research into how user involvement can be incorporated into video consultations to improve the quality of therapy. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to this growing body of research by documenting their experiences and sharing best practices.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: ‘It’s not like real therapy’: young people receiving child welfare services’ experiences of video consultations in mental healthcare in Norway: a mixed methods approach.
