Telemedicine gives larger access to therapy for depression

Talk therapy delivered by two-way video call helped older veterans with depression as much as in-person therapy sessions, a U.S. study found.

Many seniors face obstacles to getting help for depression, including mobility issues and fear of social stigma, researchers say, so telemedicine might expand their access to treatment.

“Psychotherapy works for depression whether you deliver it by face-to-face or the telemedicine approach,” and telemedicine is a good option for “older adults who have barriers to mobility, stigma, or geographic isolation,” said lead author Dr. Leonard Egede

“At our facility, we have almost 40 percent . . .