JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Many surveys of therapists’ beliefs, perceptions, and attitudes have been conducted, but far fewer have sought patient input as consumers of therapy services.

Objective:

The goal of this survey study was, therefore, to better understand the consumer perspective of psychotherapy. More specifically, the aims were to better understand: (1) openness to, and satisfaction with therapy, (2) perceptions, preferences, and expectations around therapy, (3) perceptions of psychotropic medication, and (4) perceptions of therapy among different subgroups. A secondary aim was to explore perceptions of psychiatric medication as well.

Methods:

An electronic survey was administered to current and former psychotherapy patients of a nationwide telehealth company, as well as to the general public.

Results:

A total of 714 people completed the survey. There were generally favorable perceptions of both psychotherapy and psychiatric medication. Common factors in therapy are important to patients in terms of selecting a therapist, as are cost and insurance. Preference for online therapy was most commonly endorsed (44%), while preference for in-person therapy was least common (22.4%), with 33.6% reporting no preference either way. The most commonly help perception of psychotherapy duration was indefinitely’ (35%). Very few (8.1%) thought therapy typically lasts 1 to 3 months. Most participants thought evidence-based practice was important.

Conclusions:

Public education is needed to increase awareness of the typical duration and cost of psychotherapy. There appears to be generally favorable perceptions of both psychotherapy and medication. Common factors in therapy are important to patients in terms of selecting a therapist, as are cost and insurance. Practitioners and those marketing their services might consider countering some of the more common falsely held beliefs in their marketing campaigns.