Study shows calling psychologist works just as well as meeting with them

NBC NATIONAL NEWS — Some psychologists and therapists are just phoning it in, which may be a good thing for their depressed patients.

Northwestern University researchers compared standard face-to-face therapy sessions to therapy provided over the telephone. More than 300 patients with major depression were involved.

Those who had their therapy sessions by phone had a lower drop-out rate and were as effective as face-to-face sessions after 18 weeks of treatment.

Researchers say a majority of psychologists do offer telephone services for patients who have transportation issues or other constraints.