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Internet-based CBT for depression with and without telephone tracking in a national helpline: randomised controlled
Louise Farrer1, Helen Christensen, Kathleen M Griffiths
1Centre for Mental Health Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia. Louise.Farrer@anu.edu.au
Background:
Telephone helplines are frequently and repeatedly used by individuals with chronic mental health problems and web interventions may be an effective tool for reducing depression in this population.
Aim:
To evaluate the effectiveness of a 6 week, web-based cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) intervention with and without proactive weekly telephone tracking in the reduction of depression in callers to a helpline service.
Method:
155 callers to a national helpline service with moderate to high psychological distress were recruited and randomised to receive either Internet CBT plus weekly telephone follow-up; Internet CBT only; weekly telephone follow-up only; or treatment as usual.
Results:
Depression was lower in participants in the web intervention conditions both with and without telephone tracking compared to the treatment as usual condition both at post intervention and at 6 month follow-up. Telephone tracking provided by a lay telephone counsellor did not confer any additional advantage in terms of symptom reduction or adherence.
Conclusions:
A web-based CBT program is effective both with and without telephone tracking for reducing depression in callers to a national helpline.
Trial Registration:
Controlled-Trials.comISRCTN93903959.
