Introduction to the special issue on telepsychotherapy in the age of COVID-19.

Abstract

Delivery of psychotherapy has rapidly changed as a function of physical distancing recommendations by the World Health Organization that aim to slow transmission of COVID-19 during a global pandemic. A consequent need for rapid infusion of psychological science into care delivered via telepsychotherapy has emerged. As an international journal with global reach, the Journal of Psychotherapy Integration (JPI) has responded to this need with an expanded special issue devoted entirely to the topic of telepsychotherapy in the age of COVID-19. This issue brings together empirical findings, substantial grant-funded projects, national-level task forces, and/or international collaborations to inform the response of psychotherapists as they seek to provide high-quality care under new and uniquely challenging circumstances. Within this editorial, the body of work reflected across this special issue is viewed through a lens of psychotherapy integration and within the context of internationalization. Readers are also directed to a recent collection of JPI articles that focuses on transformations to the person of the psychotherapist in response to significant, life-altering experiences. Finally, JPI's resolve to continue addressing emergent pandemic-induced issues is affirmed with a new call for articles aimed at infusing high-quality scholarship to inform psychotherapy with those facing economic insecurity or deep poverty.