[All in the mix? Blended psychotherapy as an example of digitalization in psychotherapy].

BACKGROUND

Over the last decades various approaches to digitalization of psychotherapy (PT) have been developed. The concept of blended PT, the combination of face to face and online interventions is one such example. While research interest on blended PT has greatly increased in the past years, the implementation of blended PT has lagged behind in German speaking countries. Also, due to the global pandemic caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), blended PT and other online approaches seem to be more relevant than ever before.

OBJECTIVE

The aim is to give an overview on the various forms of blended PT. Furthermore, the efficacy, the perspectives of patients and therapists as well as the topic of implementation are discussed.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Narrative review of the literature on the topic of blended PT. Important considerations and findings are classified and described based on a comprehensive search.

RESULTS

Blended psychotherapy is a concept in need of definition. By taking inspiration from blended learning concepts, we propose that a definition of blended psychotherapy should consider different levels of blends and may also consider the transforming effect on face to face psychotherapy. In transforming blends face to face PT is fundamentally changed. For some forms of blended PT the effectiveness has already been confirmed but for others there is an urgent need for research. Compared to face to face PT and purely online therapy, blended psychotherapy could provide several advantages.

CONCLUSION

The interest in blended PT is increasing among patients and therapists. To be able to successfully provide evidence-based blended PT, close cooperation between science, institutions, therapists and relevant stakeholders is needed.