E-therapy may not help ease depression

Traditional therapists still have a place: Studies suggest that computer therapy may be a better fit for people with only mild depression who express an interest in that form of treatment, as opposed to those who are moderately or severely depressed.

Computer-assisted therapy may not be effective at easing depression in people who are already getting standard care such as counselling or medication, a UK study suggests. 

To assess the effectiveness of computer-assisted cognitive behavioural therapy, researchers randomly sorted about 700 patients into three groups. One group received only standard care, while the other groups were offered one of two computer therapy programs in addition to usual treatment.