Brief Online Psychotherapy and Mental Health Care at the University

Abstract

The aim of this study was to reflect on the difficulties and possibilities of online psychotherapy offered to university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is an exploratory case study reported from two cases seen at a psychological support service that exists at a public University in the State of São Paulo and that develops student welcoming actions. The consultations in the cognitive-behavioral approach took place remotely throughout 2020 and early 2021 with students from a health course. It was identified that brief psychotherapeutic care in this modality enabled access to resources for reception and coping in a moment of fragility through the development of emotional self-regulation, self-knowledge and improvement in the management of interpersonal conflicts and anxiety symptoms motivated, above all, by the context of uncertainty and suspension of face-to-face classes, internships and practical activities. The challenges brought to psychotherapy were related to the impossibility of face-to-face contact between therapist and patient, failures in communication technology during sessions, difficulty in controlling the setting and, consequently, maintaining confidentiality. Addresses in the fields of psychotherapy and student reception were presented based on the cases attended.