Teletherapy becomes standard of care

The pandemic accelerates adoption of online psychotherapy. Meta-analyses confirm comparable efficacy to in-person therapy for depression and anxiety.

Evidence-based psychotherapy has demonstrated efficacy comparable to psychopharmacotherapy for most common disorders, with effects that are often more durable. The diversification of approaches — from CBT to psychodynamic treatments and third-wave therapies — has allowed interventions to be tailored to individual patient needs.

The 2020s have been marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise of online psychotherapy, and growing interest in mental health. Psychology has responded with rapid innovation in treatment formats and greater attention to social determinants of mental health.

Significance: This milestone significantly contributed to the development of psychology as a science and profession, influencing research, clinical practice, or public policy.