Digital inpatient-like psychotherapy

The increasing demand for mental health care, limited resources, and a growing prevalence of individuals with comorbid psychological and somatic conditions—such as obesity—underscore the urgent need for innovative, low-threshold, and patient-centered treatment models. Digital inpatient-like psychotherapy offers a promising, location-independent and cost-effective alternative to traditional inpatient care. However, little is known about its implementation and acceptance among both patients and healthcare professionals.This project combines insights from three qualitative interview studies exploring the perspectives of patients with psychological distress and obesity (N=14), patients affected by mental health disorder, currently undergoing inpatient psychotherapy treatment (N=20), and mental health professionals (N=25) regarding the concept of a digital inpatient-like psychotherapy. In the first study (N=14) patients were assessed after they completed the ‘Digital interprofessional therapy (DIGIT)’, which aims to reduce psychological distress and improve disease-related coping in patients affected by obesity and psychological distress. In the second (N=20) and third study (N=25) patients and mental health professionals were assessed to determine attitudes and expectations towards a digital inpatient-like psychotherapeutic concept. Using semi-structured interviews and reflexive thematic analysis, we identified key categories relevant to the acceptance, feasibility, and effectiveness of digital inpatient-like treatment.Across all groups, participants expressed high acceptance and satisfaction with the digital format, emphasizing benefits such as location flexibility, individualized support, increased openness in communication, and reduced access barriers. From a patient perspective, the intervention fostered symptom relief, improved coping, and motivation to engage in treatment. Mental health professionals also highlighted its potential as a valuable extension of traditional care, recommending hybrid formats and careful selection of patient cohorts. However, challenges were noted, including the need for adequate technical infrastructure, safeguarding therapeutic relationships, and maintaining treatment adherence in home environments.Our findings support the feasibility and high acceptance of digital inpatient-like psychotherapy. By integrating interprofessional care and digital accessibility, concepts like DIGIT can contribute to closing critical care gaps—particularly for complex patient groups—and serve as a foundation for scalable treatment approaches in the future.