[New Media in Psychotherapy: Blended Therapy from the Perspective of Outpatient Psychotherapists].

The aim of the study was to generate a model describing psychotherapists' use of new media in outpatient psychotherapy. Problem-centered interviews were conducted with 12 outpatient psychotherapists. Data was analyzed following the Grounded Theory approach. The interviews revealed five categories that were integrated into the model "Use of new media in outpatient therapy" (MAP): First, psychotherapists' characteristics determine whether new media use is considered. When new media is in use, patient characteristics define its intensity and content. Additionally, decision making rules and communication rules shape therapists' use of new media. MAP identifies barriers and facilitators of new media application in outpatient psychotherapy and describes psychotherapists' decision making process. Options for implementing blended therapy in outpatient psychotherapeutic care are discussed.