Telehealth Videoconferencing Psychotherapy in Rural Primary Care

The effectiveness of telehealth videoconferencing psychotherapy (TVCP) for a rural sample obtaining services through a primary care setting in Texas was examined by combining single-case and group research methods. Patients were assessed periodically over the course of treatment with the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation – Short Form B (CORE-B), Patient Health Questionnaire – 9 (PHQ-9), and SF-12 health survey. Group analyses included paired-samples t tests of preand posttreatment mean scores for all outcome variables. Reliable improvement (Improved) and clinically significant change (Recovered) were assessed for all patients on the CORE-B scales and the PHQ-9. Results of 4 single-case analyses were compared with group results to uncover clinical insights. TVCP produced statistically significant results on all mental health outcomes for the sample despite reductions in perceived physical health quality. Single-case analyses of 4 female patients provided a more differentiated representation of treatment response and context for group results. Comparison of single-case and group results suggested treatment response was dependent upon type and severity of diagnoses, severity of physical health issues, and situational context. Clinical and methodological conclusions of the study are discussed with implications for science and practice.