The acute stress syndrome stabilization remote individual (ASSYST-RI) for telemental health counseling after adverse experiences

The aim objective of this field trial was to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of the Acute Stress Syndrome Stabilization Remote Individual (ASSYST-RI) procedure in decreasing the levels of subjective perceived disturbance produced by the psychological distress or physiological reactivity of recent adverse experiences (e.g., kidnappings, COVID-19-related distress, interpersonal violence). A total of 48 participants (39 females and 9 males) ranging in ages from 18 to 67 years old (M=37.1 years) received one-single ASSYST-RI session of 50 minutes average duration. Participation was voluntary with the participants’ verbal informed consent in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005. The telemental health counseling was in compliance with the American Psychological Association (APA) Guidelines for the Practice of Telepsychology. A pre-post design was applied comparing the subjective units of disturbance (SUD) means using a within t-test analysis. Results showed significant differences with a large effect size. Pre-test (M = 8.27, SD = 1.69) and post-test (M = 1.45, SD = 1.66), Cohen’s d = 3.32. This field trial provides preliminary evidence on the ASSYST-RI feasibility and effectiveness in decreasing the levels of subjective perceived disturbance produced by the psychological distress or physiological reactivity of recent adverse experiences

Journal

English

Kelly Smyth-Dent 
Yael Becker
Emily Burns
Martha Givaudan

Smyth-Dent, K., Becker, Y., Burns, E., & Givaudan, M. (2021). The acute stress syndrome stabilization remote individual (ASSYST-RI) for telemental health counseling after adverse experiences.  Psychology and Behavioral Science International Journal, 16(2), 1-7. doi:10.19080/PBSIJ.2021.16.555932