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Defining Internet-Supported Therapeutic Interventions

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Annals of Behavioral Medicine

Abstract

Background

The field of Internet-supported therapeutic interventions has suffered from a lack of clarity and consistency. The absence of professional leadership and of accepted governing approaches, terminology, professional standards, and methodologies has caused this field to be diffused and unstructured. Numerous terms have been used to label and describe the activities conducted over the Internet for mental and physical health purposes: web-based therapy, e-therapy, cybertherapy, eHealth, e-Interventions, computer-mediated interventions, and online therapy (or counseling), among others.

Methods

Following a comprehensive review, we conceptualized Internet-supported interventions, using four categories based on prime practice approaches: web-based interventions, online counseling and therapy, Internet-operated therapeutic software, and other online activities (e.g., as supplements to face-to-face therapy). We provide a working definition and detailed description of each category, accompanied by numerous examples.

Conclusions

These categories may now serve as guiding definitions and related terminologies for further research and development in this emerging field.

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Acknowledgements

Judith Proudfoot is grateful to the National Health and Medical Research Council (Program Grant 510135) for the salary support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Counseling and Human Development, Faculty of Education, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa, 31905, Israel

    Azy Barak Ph.D.

  2. Swinburne University, Melbourne, Australia

    Britt Klein D.Psych. (Clinical)

  3. University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia

    Judith G. Proudfoot Ph.D.

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  1. Azy Barak Ph.D.
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  2. Britt Klein D.Psych. (Clinical)
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  3. Judith G. Proudfoot Ph.D.
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Correspondence to Azy Barak Ph.D..

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Barak, A., Klein, B. & Proudfoot, J.G. Defining Internet-Supported Therapeutic Interventions. ann. behav. med. 38, 4–17 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-009-9130-7

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