Anxiety is a common issue affecting youth. With more than 40% of children affected by chronic medical conditions and the resulting psychological impacts, many families struggle to find the most effective treatment to manage their child’s mental health concerns.

 A recent study led by researchers from the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and DePaul University finds in-person mental health treatment to be more successful for young patients, despite a growing number of apps and online support.

Natoshia Cunningham, associate professor in the Department of Family Medicine at MSU, in collaboration with Susan Tran, associate professor in the Department of Psychology at DePaul, found mental health treatment is better when technology complements, but does not replace, face-to-face therapy. 

“Our research suggests the most effective psychological therapy is defined by the human connection,” said Cunningham. “This is something I’ve been shouting from the rooftops for years.”