Using the Internet to Train Therapists: Randomized Comparison of Two Scalable Methods

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Mental Health Training

Background:

• A significant barrier to psychological treatment dissemination is the shortage of trained therapists.
• Current therapist training methods are not scalable.
• Web-centered training presents a promising, scalable alternative.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of independent versus supported web-centered training.
• To assess the impact on therapist competence in enhanced cognitive behavior therapy (CBT-E).
• To investigate the persistence of training effects.

Main Methods:

• 156 therapists were randomized to independent or supported web-centered CBT-E training.
• Competence was assessed pre-training, post-training, and at 6-month follow-up.
• Statistical analyses included mixed effects models and odds ratios.

Main Results:

• Both training groups showed increased competence scores; no significant difference between independent and supported training.
• Approximately 50.9% of therapists reached the competence threshold post-training.
• No significant differences in competence or sustained effects were observed at follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Web-centered training is effective regardless of support level and effects are sustained.
• Independent web-centered training offers a low-cost, scalable solution for training therapists.
• This approach can help overcome barriers to widespread psychological treatment dissemination.