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Brazilian Clinical Psychologists’ Perceptions of Online Psychotherapy for Patients with Suicidal Behavior During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Grounded Theory Study

Author

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  • Natália Gallo Mendes Ferracioli

    (Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-900, São Paulo, Brazil)

  • Elaine Campos Guijarro Rodrigues

    (Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-900, São Paulo, Brazil)

  • Manoel Antônio dos Santos

    (Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-900, São Paulo, Brazil)

Abstract

Online psychotherapy for patients with suicidal behavior was considered inappropriate by the Brazilian Federal Psychology Council prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the need for physical distancing, this restriction was temporarily suspended. This study aims to analyze the perceptions of Brazilian clinical psychologists regarding online psychotherapy for patients with suicidal behavior in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, to generate a theoretical understanding of this experience. It is a qualitative, exploratory, longitudinal study based on the Constructivist Grounded Theory framework. Ten clinical psychologists who conducted online psychotherapy for patients with suicidal behavior during the pandemic were interviewed at two moments, with an interval of approximately two years: the first round was conducted from December 2020 to March 2021, followed by a second round between November and December 2022. Data analysis led to four categories: (1) Reflecting on suicidal behavior; (2) Addressing specificities of online interventions; (3) Managing suicidal behavior in online psychotherapy; (4) Evaluating online psychotherapy for patients with suicidal behavior. The theoretical model “Pathways of care: main roads and access routes in online psychotherapy for suicidal behavior” was constructed. It was concluded that online psychotherapy for patients with suicidal behavior is complex and requires caution but is feasible and can be important in specific circumstances. This makes it an additional resource for suicide prevention and mental health promotion.

Suggested Citation

  • Natália Gallo Mendes Ferracioli & Elaine Campos Guijarro Rodrigues & Manoel Antônio dos Santos, 2025. "Brazilian Clinical Psychologists’ Perceptions of Online Psychotherapy for Patients with Suicidal Behavior During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Grounded Theory Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(8), pages 1-20, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:8:p:1284-:d:1726157
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Silvia Caterina Maria Tomaino & Gian Mauro Manzoni & Giada Brotto & Sabrina Cipolletta, 2023. "Breaking Down the Screen: Italian Psychologists’ and Psychotherapists’ Experiences of the Therapeutic Relationship in Online Interventions during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-18, January.
    2. Stefanie Winter & Andrea Jesser & Thomas Probst & Yvonne Schaffler & Ida-Maria Kisler & Barbara Haid & Christoph Pieh & Elke Humer, 2023. "How the COVID-19 Pandemic Affects the Provision of Psychotherapy: Results from Three Online Surveys on Austrian Psychotherapists," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-15, January.
    3. Angelos I. Stoumpos & Fotis Kitsios & Michael A. Talias, 2023. "Digital Transformation in Healthcare: Technology Acceptance and Its Applications," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-44, February.
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