Getting Better, Together: An Integrated, Online Group Psychotherapy Programme for Mental and Physical Health

Background

Social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with increases in sedentary behaviours, alcohol and illicit substance use and weight gain. Early lockdowns and mandated social distancing also led to increases in symptoms of anxiety, depression and other mental health symptoms. During the pandemic, a major shift in healthcare service delivery to telehealth occurred and group psychotherapy delivered online was effective in decreasing mental health symptoms and loneliness.

Objective

The overall goal of this study was to assess the initial effectiveness of an eight-session, comprehensive group psychotherapy programme delivered online to improve mental and physical health for adults who were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This pilot programme promoted physical activity, nutrition, behavioural health and overall healthy living.

Method

After creating our eight-session, multidisciplinary programme, we partnered with the local health department, community mental health centre and local media to recruit N = 53 community members from southern Texas, USA. We thoroughly screened participants using a structured clinical interview and standardised assessments. A total of n = 50 were eligible and placed into groups based on availability and n = 41 completed all sessions. Most participants were female and between the ages of 18 and 40 years, and of Caucasian or Hispanic descent. The sample included both those who met criteria for a mental health diagnosis and those who did not. Groups, on average, had 5–7 participants and began in August 2020 and ended in February 2021. Future clinicians and researchers may wish to use or adapt the treatment programme (including the treatment manual) from this study to guide future research or clinical efforts.

Results

Compared to baseline, participants reported significant reductions in anxiety and loneliness and improved satisfaction in their level of participation in social activities. Participants reported enjoying the socialisation of the group format.

Conclusions

Our pilot programme demonstrated initial evidence supporting effectiveness of a multidisciplinary, biopsychosocial group delivered online to improve mental health outcomes. Future randomised controlled trials are needed to establish efficacy and inform potential, broader implementation of the programme.

Public Significance Statement

This study found that an integrated, group psychotherapy programme based on acceptance and commitment therapy, motivational interviewing and interpersonal psychotherapy was effective in reducing anxiety and loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic. The online delivery of this programme makes it especially useful in reaching socially isolated adults, such as those in rural settings.