Batastini Ashley B, Morgan Robert D
Department of Psychological Sciences, Texas Tech University.
Psychol Serv. 2016 Aug;13(3):283-291. doi: 10.1037/ser0000078.
The use of telepsychology, such as videoconferencing (VC) systems, has been rapidly increasing as a tool for the provision of mental health services to underserved clients in difficult to access settings. Inmates detained in restrictive housing appear to be at an increased risk of experiencing emotional and behavioral disturbances compared to their general population counterparts, yet they are less likely to receive appropriate treatment due to security constraints. The primary purpose of this article is to describe the process of implementing a novel telepsychology intervention specifically designed to offer group therapy to high-security, administratively segregated inmates. In addition, preliminary results on treatment and therapeutic process outcomes in a sample of 49 participants are reported. Although some evidence indicated that telepsychology was less preferred than in-person sessions, group differences on measures of psychological functioning and criminal thinking were not found across 3 conditions (telepsychology, in-person, and a no-treatment control). Furthermore, a number of limitations associated with program implementation and study design suggest that results be interpreted with caution and should not be used to discount the use of telepsychology as a viable treatment delivery option. Recommendations for future development and evaluation of telepsychological programs are discussed within the context of correctional settings and beyond. (PsycINFO Database Record
作为一种向难以接触到的服务对象提供心理健康服务的工具，远程心理学（如视频会议系统）的使用正在迅速增加。与普通人群相比，被关押在限制性住房中的囚犯出现情绪和行为障碍的风险似乎更高，但由于安全限制，他们获得适当治疗的可能性较小。本文的主要目的是描述实施一种新型远程心理学干预措施的过程，该措施专门为高度戒备、行政隔离的囚犯提供团体治疗。此外，还报告了49名参与者样本的治疗和治疗过程结果的初步结果。尽管一些证据表明远程心理学不如面对面治疗受欢迎，但在三种条件（远程心理学、面对面治疗和无治疗对照）下，未发现心理功能和犯罪思维测量指标上的组间差异。此外，与项目实施和研究设计相关的一些局限性表明，对结果的解释应谨慎，不应将其用于否定远程心理学作为一种可行的治疗方式。在惩教环境及其他背景下，讨论了远程心理学项目未来发展和评估的建议。（PsycINFO数据库记录）
