Challenges of virtual talking therapies for substance misuse in New Zealand during the COVID-19 pandemic: An opinion piece

Susanna Galea-Singer; David Newcombe; Virginia Farnsworth-Grodd; Janie Sheridan; Peter Adams; Natalie Walker

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Challenges of virtual talking therapies for substance misuse in New Zealand during the COVID-19 pandemic: An opinion piece

Journal article

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Challenges of virtual talking therapies for substance misuse in New Zealand during the COVID-19 pandemic: An opinion piece

Susanna Galea-Singer, David Newcombe, Virginia Farnsworth-Grodd, Janie Sheridan, Peter Adams and Natalie Walker

New Zealand Medical Journal, Vol.133(1515), pp.104-111

2020

PMID: 32438382

Appears in COVID-19 Research

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https://nzmj.org.nz/media/pages/journal/vol-133-no-1515/challenges-of-virtual-talking-therapies-for-substance-misuse-in-new-zealand-during-the-covid-19-pandemic-an-opinion-piece-open-a/e40bdbd436-1696471726/challenges-of-virtual-talking-therapies-for-substance-misuse-in-new-zealand-during-the-covid-19-pandemic-an-opinion-piece-open-a.pdfView

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Abstract

COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic requires us to rethink how virtual approaches might work for people who use alcohol and other drugs. Are virtual clinics only suitable for clients with whom clinicians have already formed a therapeutic relationship? How well would virtual clinics work for new clients presenting to services, for clients in acute distress, and for those with complex problems? Addressing the sustained change required to maintain substance-free lives or a safe substance-use life requires robust psychotherapeutic approaches, which have traditionally been delivered through physical contact, whether they are one-to-one or group-based interventions. The challenge during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic is to deliver effective talking therapies while avoiding physical contact. How then should services continue to offer counselling and support in such an environment? How can we learn from the COVID-19 situation to deliver treatment to individuals who may have difficulties attending traditional clinic-based care, such as those in more rural areas with transport difficulties? This article focuses on identifying practical issues and providing some solutions.

Details

Title: Challenges of virtual talking therapies for substance misuse in New Zealand during the COVID-19 pandemic: An opinion piece
Authors: Susanna Galea-Singer (Corresponding Author) - Waitemata District Health Board
David Newcombe - University of Auckland
Virginia Farnsworth-Grodd - Waitemata District Health Board
Janie Sheridan - University of Auckland
Peter Adams - University of Auckland
Natalie Walker - University of Auckland
Publication details: New Zealand Medical Journal, Vol.133(1515), pp.104-111
Publisher: Pasifika Medical Association Group
Date published: 2020
ISSN: 1175-8716; 0028-8446
PMID: 32438382
Organisation Unit: School of Health - Psychology
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991199049902621
Output Type: Journal article

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