Using computers for the treatment of psychological problems

摘要

Approximately two dozen efforts in the published literature to deliver counseling or other psychological intervention services are critically reviewed, and several issues considered basic to significant progress are discussed. Primary attention is given to examining the use of computers in cognitive psychotherapy, games, computer-aided instruction, biofeedback and behavior therapy, and other related approaches to psychotherapy. Evidence presented in this review leads to the conclusion that computers can make meaningful contributions to the treatment of psychological problems. The limited ability of current computer programs to process natural language is highlighted as the most significant impediment to continued progress in this area.