When Therapy Goes Online: How Orientation, Experience, and Perceived Patient Openness Shape Attitudes Toward Online Therapy. A Study Based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology for Therapists During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Objectives

This study examined the key factors associated with psychotherapists' attitudes toward online therapy, with particular focus on therapeutic orientation, age, years of professional experience, prior technological experience, and perceived patient openness. Conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, the study was based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology for Therapists (UTAUT-T) framework to better understand therapists' acceptance of online therapeutic modalities.

Method

The study involved 387 psychotherapists representing various therapeutic approaches, who completed an online self-report questionnaire. The instruments used included the UTAUT-T questionnaire, a custom use behavior questionnaire, and a demographic survey.

Results

The final sample included 387 psychotherapists. The multivariate test showed significant differences between therapeutic orientations, F(24, 1468) = 3.39, p < 0.001, η² = 0.05 [0.02, 0.06]. Psychodynamic therapists consistently reported a more negative attitude toward therapy than cognitive-behavioral, systemic, humanistic, or therapists representing other therapeutic orientations. These differences were particularly pronounced for Professional Support (e.g., psychodynamic vs. CBT, t = −7.75, p < 0.001, d = 1.20[0.86; 1.52]) and for the total UTAUT-T score (e.g., t = −5.48, p < 0.001, d = 0.87[0.54; 1.18]). Prior technological experience and perceived patient openness were both positively associated with therapists' attitudes toward online therapy (both p < 0.001), whereas age and years of professional experience were not significantly associated with technology acceptance.

Conclusions

The study highlights the crucial role of therapeutic orientation, prior experience with technology, and perceived patient openness in shaping therapists' acceptance of online therapy. These results underscore the need for targeted training and support to facilitate the successful integration of digital technologies into routine psychotherapeutic practice. Future research should continue to explore these dynamics under non-crisis conditions to ensure the sustainable development of online therapy services.