Online Group Therapy Practices in terms of Clinical Health Psychology Perspective: Is That Possible to Implement the Psychotherapy Remotely?
in: Human, Society and Artificial Intelligence, Göklem Tekdemir,Ayşen Şatıroğlu, Editor, IU Press, Bloomington (IN), USA , İstanbul, pp.89-105, 2026
- Publication Type: Book Chapter / Chapter Research Book
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.26650/bs/ssc18.ssc23.2026.002-4.07
- Publisher: IU Press, Bloomington (IN), USA
- City: İstanbul
- Page Numbers: pp.89-105
- Editors: Göklem Tekdemir,Ayşen Şatıroğlu, Editor
- Istanbul University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
This study examined whether online group psychotherapy can be effectively delivered and explored its clinical relevance from a clinical health psychology perspective. The review addressed the growing need for accessible and context-sensitive mental health interventions by asking a question: Can group psychotherapy be conducted remotely without compromising therapeutic processes? Using a scoping review methodology, 14 empirical studies were identified from SCOPUS, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Web of Science databases on well-being, related outcomes, and the implementation of online group interventions. The reviewed studies encompassed diverse clinical populations, including individuals with cancer, chronic pain, and LGBTQ+ migrants, and a wide range of therapeutic orientations, from psychodynamic approaches to cognitive-behavioral. Also, online group psychotherapy was associated with reductions in depression, anxiety, and stress; however, therapeutic effects were not uniformly robust. While some studies reported limited statistical significance, many participants described meaningful subjective improvements in emotional coping, social connectedness, and quality of life. Findings highlighted that group-level processes—such as therapeutic alliance, group cohesion, and nonverbal communication-tend to develop more slowly and may be more fragile in virtual environments. Moreover, increased accessibility, cultural sensitivity, digital flexibility, and group structure emerged as key factors enhancing intervention effectiveness. Although online group psychotherapy cannot fully replicate the embodied dynamics of face-to-face settings, the evidence suggests that it represents a flexible, inclusive, and clinically promising modality. The study underscores the importance of specialized clinician training, robust ethical frameworks, hybrid delivery models, and culturally adapted content to support the sustainable integration of online group psychotherapy into mental health services.