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Research Indicates Effectiveness of Phone Counseling

 

Over the years, various studies have suggested that telephone therapy can be helpful for those seeking emotional support during smoking cessation, for medication management or for overcoming low moods.

 

However, the Journal of the American Medical Association (August, 2004) reveals that the telephone can be an effective tool in helping individuals conquer depression.

 

Dr. Gregory E. Simon and his team of researchers followed 600 men and women receiving anti-depression treatment at Group Health Cooperative, a 500,000-member health plan in Washington. The patients were randomly assigned to one of three treatment plans: 1) usual care, in which they merely followed their prescription and participated in occasional face-to-face counseling sessions; 2) telephone management, in which they simply received two phone calls and a mailer reminding them to stay on their medication and 3) telephone therapy during which trained counselors provided up to eight sessions of advice on how to combat the negative thinking and inertia that fuel depression. Participants in the last group also had workbooks that reinforced the phone therapy and counselors encouraged them to do homework between sessions.

 

“One thing we asked them to do was to list their ten most common negative thoughts and when they had one to write it down. This is a way of stepping back from these thoughts and seeing their effects,” according to Dr. Simon.

 

By the end of the 18-month study, 80% of those who had received phone therapy indicated that their depression was “much improved,” compared with 55% of those who had received usual care. Of those who received encouragement by phone but not explicit counseling, 66% said they were “much improved.”

 

The researchers do not know what component of the phone therapy made it effective, or whether the increased attention itself made people feel better. But for therapists trying to treat patients who are overwhelmed, too busy to attend office visits or lacking transportation, the study may provide an alternative to traditional in-person care.

 

An important component of your EAP benefit is unlimited telephonic counseling. The research cited above indicates that despite the informality of this type of counseling, it nevertheless can provide useful and effective assistance. Professional counselors are available 24/7 to help you right over the phone!

 

To learn about our program click:  Telephone Counseling

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