King, V.L., Brooner, R.K., Peirce, J.M., Kolodner, K., & Kidorf, M.S. (2014). A randomized trial of web-based videoconferencing for substance abuse counseling. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment.46(1), 36-42. PMCID: PMC3818495.
This study sought to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of completing counseling for substance abuse using a web-based videoconferencing platform. Eighty-five patients attending outpatient treatment for opioid dependence were randomly assigned to receive individual counseling sessions via a web-based videoconferencing program (eGetgoing) or in-person at a substance abuse treatment program. Both treatment programs consisted of weekly appointments for 12 weeks. All participants were receiving opioid maintenance therapy along with the study therapies. Questionnaires about therapeutic alliance and treatment satisfaction were completed at baseline and monthly during the individual treatment, along with urine drug screens. Results showed that participants in both treatment conditions had equivalent treatment satisfaction and therapeutic alliance ratings. No differences were found in the number of treatment sessions attended or in the percent of positive drug screens. Overall, results of this study support the use of videoconferencing as an acceptable and feasible alternative to in-person counseling for patients with opioid dependence.