Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes for Patients of a Digital Psychology Service in Regional and Remote Parts of Australia

Objective

The MindSpot Clinic provides psychological assessment and treatment online or via the telephone to Australian residents. This study examines patient characteristics and treatment outcomes based on geographical location.

Setting

MindSpot Clinic.

Design

Retrospective analysis of patients who started an online assessment between January 2020 and December 2021 and provided a valid postcode that could be categorised as either Major City (n = 34 222) or Regional/Remote (n = 13 408).

Participants

Adults residing in Australia and reporting symptoms of depression or anxiety.

Main Outcome Measures

Demographic and satisfaction questionnaires, K-10, PHQ-9, GAD-7.

Results

Patient distribution was consistent with the national census, with 28% of patients residing in regional or remote locations. Comparison to patients from major cities showed that they were more likely to be residing in areas of high socioeconomic disadvantage. The regional/remote group included a higher proportion of females and a higher proportion of Indigenous patients. Despite baseline differences, online therapist-guided treatment significantly decreased symptoms of anxiety and depression. Results were comparable to the major city group. For both groups, effect sizes were large (> 1.0 at post-treatment), deterioration was low (< 3%) and reliable recovery rates were high (> 85%).

Conclusion

Understanding differences and similarities based on geographic location is important for service provision. The MindSpot Clinic provides access to effective evidence-based psychological care to patients across Australia, and the current results support the continued provision of digital psychology services in regional and remote areas of Australia.