Evidence-Based Psychological Internet Interventions: Challenges, Best Practices, and Recommendations

Prescott, Julie, Kornacka, Monika, Maj, Anna, Szastok, Marta, Karkosz, Stanisław, Barnes, Steven, Para, Małgorzata, Leśnierowska, Magdalena and Smoktunowicz, Ewelina (2025) Evidence-Based Psychological Internet Interventions: Challenges, Best Practices, and Recommendations. Psychoterapia. Leczenie metodami psychologicznymi, 68 (4). pp. 231-251.

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Abstract

Goal: The number of psychological interventions delivered through new technologies, such as apps, chatbots and online platforms (so called ‘internet interventions’) is growing rapidly. Their development is recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) due to their accessibility both in the context of geographic and economic exclusion, the limited number of psychotherapists, and long waiting times to receive psychological services. Internet interventions, delivered as standalone programs or as a supplement to traditional psychological support and psychotherapy, have been confirmed to be effective by numerous meta-analyses. However, some solutions which have appeared on the market are not based on theoretical models and their effectiveness remains untested or insufficiently researched. This article, based on a narrative literature review, positions internet interventions as evidence-based solutions, while also discussing the key challenges facing this field of research and clinical practice. Thesis: The current most important challenges are: (1) difficulties with the classification and naming of internet interventions; (2) the need for high-quality scientific evidence which confirms the effectiveness of specific interventions rather than just its theoretical basis; and (3) accounting for specific aspects of internet interventions, such as co-designing solutions, user-experience, digital therapeutic tools, and gamification. This article outlines current practices concerning internet interventions, discusses examples of associated regulations, and outlines user needs regarding the safe selection and use of internet interventions. Conclusion: Internet interventions are evidence-based. Given the current state of regulation however, particular care should be taken in clearly communicating how the effective ness of any given intervention has been tested against standards, enabling patients and professionals to make informed choices.

Item Type:	Article
Divisions:	Sciences > Psychology
Depositing User:	K Wright
Date Deposited:	15 Jul 2026 15:14
Last Modified:	16 Jul 2026 20:24
URI:	https://ulaw.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/73

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