Videoconference Psychotherapy for Panic Disorder & Agoraphobia (1 CE)

Number of Credits: 1

This course is for:  Clinical Psychologists, and Counselors

Course By: Tim Grigsby, PhD

Content By: Bouchard, S., Allard, M., Robillard, G., Dumoulin, S., Guitard, T., Loranger, C., ... & Corno, G. (2020). Videoconferencing psychotherapy for panic disorder and agoraphobia: Outcome and treatment processes from a non-randomized non-inferiority trial. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, e2164.

Course Description: Cognitive behavioral therapy remains the gold standard treatment for anxiety disorders, but further research is needed to describe mechanisms of effectiveness (i) for individuals with panic disorder and agoraphobia and (ii) when delivered via videoconference versus in-person. This is especially important in the context of COVID-19 where in-person interactions are restricted and persons with panic disorder and agoraphobia may be especially vulnerable. The results of this non-inferiority trial support the use of videoconference psychotherapy for patients with panic disorder and agoraphobia. Further work is needed to explore how to build and maintain a working alliance in this digital setting.

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss the vulnerability that patients experiencing panic disorder and agoraphobia might undergo related to COVID-19
2. Describe the roles of therapeutic alliance and motivation for therapy in treatment outcome for videoconferencing psychotherapy with patients experiencing panic disorder and agoraphobia
3. Identify three clinical applications of videoconferencing psychotherapy for panic disorder and agoraphobia to address COVID-19 related stressors

Course Outline:

• Read and understand Videoconferencing psychotherapy for panic disorder and agoraphobia: Outcome and treatment processes from a non-randomized non-inferiority trial
• Review the Course Description and Learning Objectives
• Reflect on the mechanisms for successful treatment outcome of videoconferencing psychotherapy for patients experiencing panic disorder and agoraphobia
• Work through the post-test questions; keep in mind that answer selections should be derived from the respective article
• Return to the referenced article for any missed questions and/or to better understand the clinical applications of videoconferencing psychotherapy for panic disorder and agoraphobia in the context of COVID-19 related restrictions and stressors

Approvals: