Summary
The novel Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) and subsequent social distancing practices have altered the way we move through the world and access physical and mental healthcare. While researchers and clinicians have begun to explore the impact of telehealth delivery on psychotherapy and treatment outcomes, the purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of individuals in teletherapy, specifically those engaging in teletherapy with a romantic partner or family member. Using a thematic analysis of open-ended online survey questions, we explored the experiences of 25 individuals who engaged in couple or family teletherapy, with most participants beginning teletherapy after social distancing began. The resulting themes included “making do,” safe therapeutic space, convenience, logistical challenges, and therapist accommodation. We discuss the clinical implications of these themes to support effective couple and family teletherapy and offer suggestions and considerations for remote clinical interventions and practices.

Objectives

• To understand the experiences of individuals in relational teletherapy with a partner or family member during the COVID-19 pandemic
• To expand on the perceived advantages and challenges to remote teletherapy with couples and families
• To provide recommendations on managing barriers or hesitancies related to relational teletherapy

Subject Codes: technology, COVID-19, transitions
Population Codes: marriage and family therapists/clinicians, Nationally representative,
Method and Approach Codes: qualitative methodology, therapy, best practices

Summary
Mental health providers are playing a critical role in addressing the rising stress and mental health concerns resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, they are similarly challenged as they adapt their professional practice and personal life to overcome COVID-19-related obstacles. In order to better understand their unique experiences, we recruited mental health providers nationally for an online survey with open-ended questions during June and July (2020). Qualitative data from 137 mental health providers were analyzed using Dedoose. Results showed that although some providers reported positive experiences from the pandemic, including increased flexibility and better work-life balance, the majority of providers expressed negative mental health consequences including anxiety, depression, isolation, and online fatigue. Participants also shared challenges in their clinical practice, including loss of in-person therapy content, difficulty engaging with clients, and technology-related struggles. This research has important implications for addressing the needs of mental health providers during pandemic.

Objectives

• To better understand the impacts of COVID-19 on mental health providers' mental health outcomes.
• To better understand the impacts of COVID-19 on mental health providers' clinical practice and their ability to serve their clients.
• To provide insight and implication on how to address the needs of mental health providers during the pandemic.

Subject Codes: COVID-19, mental health, technology
Population Codes: marriage and family therapists/clinicians, ,
Method and Approach Codes: qualitative methodology, thematic analysis,

Summary
The unprecedented times of the novel Coronavirus quarantine and subsequent stay-at-home orders have changed the way many couple therapists provide clinical services. Understanding couple therapists’ experiences with teletherapy is important for optimizing future telehealth delivery with couples. Thus, the purpose of this mixed methods survey study was to explore couple therapists’ experiences of transitioning from in-person/traditional therapy to telehealth delivery. A total of 58 couple therapists completed an online survey. Reported are both quantitative and qualitative findings. Overall, the present study found that couple therapists experienced a positive shift from traditional/in-person therapy to online/telehealth therapy, with a majority of couple therapists (74%) reporting they would continue providing teletherapy after the novel Coronavirus pandemic and social distancing regulations had ended. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes from couple therapists’ experiences related to advantages, challenges, and recommendations for practice. Implications for clinical training and future research are discussed.

Objectives

• To explore the experiences of MFTs providing teletherapy to couples during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To analyze findings using a mixed methods survey study from couple therapists regarding their experiences utilizing telehealth platforms to work with couples.
• To provide best practice and recommendations from couple tele-therapists who transitioned from conducting traditional/in-person couple therapy to telehealth.

Subject Codes: COVID-19, mental health, technology
Population Codes: marriage and family therapists/clinicians, couples/coupled, Nationally representative
Method and Approach Codes: best practices, clinical practice, mixed-methodology

Summary
Couple and family therapists (CFT) are increasingly using telehealth platforms to deliver services. Unfortunately, the literature on relational teletherapy is not well developed. This study sought to understand experiences of teletherapy with couples and families as it contrasts with individual clients and in-person therapy, and any changes to emotional disclosure when moving to teletherapy from in-person therapy. We utilized a hermeneutic phenomenological approach to qualitative inquiry from data collected through open-ended questions on a web-based survey of graduate student trainees (n =66) in COAMFTE-accredited CFT programs. Thematic analysis identified the body-of-the-therapist and client as they exist (and are obstructed) due to technology for creating barriers and opportunities in translating CFT intervention to telehealth platforms, such as accessing client emotions and facilitating disclosure. Results suggest a need for systemic interventions with children and adolescents in the telehealth sphere. Implications for CFT practice, training, and intervention research are outlined.

Objectives

• To explore the experiences of CFT graduate students transition from in-person to teletherapy.
• To identify differences between individual and relational teletherapy.
• To identify potential modifications to CFT practice for effective relational teletherapy practice.

Subject Codes: technology, COVID-19, evidence-based practice
Population Codes: inclusive of minor children, adolescence, graduate students
Method and Approach Codes: qualitative methodology, phenomenology, translational