Effectiveness of videoconference-delivered psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and their parents: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

This meta-analysis evaluates the effectiveness of videoconference-delivered psychotherapy (VCP) for children and adolescents with mental disorders and their parents by synthesizing data from 12 randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Results indicate that VCP significantly reduces symptom severity and functional impairments compared to waitlist controls and is equally effective as in-person treatment both at posttreatment and follow-up. VCP showed larger symptom reductions in youths with internalizing disorders than in those with externalizing or tic disorders, while age and treatment recipient (child, parent, or both) did not moderate outcomes. Despite methodological limitations and a limited number of studies, the findings suggest that VCP is a viable and effective alternative to face-to-face psychotherapy for this population, with effects maintained over time.