Computer and Internet applications for psychological treatment: update for clinicians

Abstract

Computers and the Internet have the potential to be used to deliver psychological treatments. This article provides a selective review of applications involving little or no therapist contact, applications involving asynchronous and synchronous communication with providers, and applications that have been used as adjuncts to standard psychotherapy. Data on the efficacy of these applications most strongly support using the Internet to complete and submit behavioral assignments, to obtain social support from peers, and to receive education, feedback, and support from therapists in the form of e-mail or chatroom communications. General practice recommendations are given with an emphasis on ways to encourage use of the Internet as an information and communication tool as an adjunct to regular psychotherapy.