JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

In recent years, internet- and mobile-based interventions gained relevance in mental health care. Psychotherapists' perspectives are crucial in identifying potential improvements as well as barriers to the implementation of these interventions.

Objective:

This study aimed to explore psychotherapists’ perspectives on the barriers and facilitating conditions to internet- and mobile-based interventions.

Methods:

The study consisted of a qualitative research design, utilizing open items on a cross-sectional survey. In total, 350 psychotherapists were asked to provide their opinion on different aspects of internet- and mobile-based interventions in written form. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data and to identify core themes.

Results:

The analysis revealed 11 core themes on using internet- and mobile-based interventions, falling into the four superordinate categories: 1) “Applicability” (“Disorder-related Limitations”, “Facilitating Structures”, “Psychotherapeutic Specialization”, “Role in Mental Health Care”); 2) “Treatment Resources” (“Lack of Information”, “Costs and Efforts”); 3) “Technology” (“Technical Constraints”, “Technical Requirements and Functions”, “Data Protection and Privacy”); and 4) “Perceived Risks and Barriers” (“Perceived Risks and Barriers for Patients”, and “Perceived Risks and Barriers for Psychotherapists”).

Conclusions:

The findings of this study highlight the need for considering psychotherapists’ attitudes in the conceptualization of internet- and mobile-based interventions. It is discussed how these findings can advance both the use of internet- and mobile-based interventions in mental health care and the societal debate revolving around it. Limitations and implications for future research are discussed.