Facilitating access to iCBT: a randomized controlled trial assessing a translated version of an empirically validated...

Area of Science:

• Mental Health
• Digital Therapeutics
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Access to internet-delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (iCBT) is limited globally.
• Translating iCBT programs and using minimal monitoring can enhance international dissemination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a translated, transdiagnostic iCBT program in French for Canadian patients with anxiety and depression.
• To assess a minimally monitored delivery model for iCBT.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 63 French speakers in Canada.
• Participants were randomized to an 8-week minimally monitored iCBT program (Wellbeing Course) or a waitlist control.
• Primary outcomes included Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scores.

Main Results:

• The iCBT group showed significantly lower PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores post-treatment compared to the waitlist group.
• Effect sizes for between-group differences were small (d = 0.34 for PHQ-9, d = 0.37 for GAD-7).
• Clinical recovery rates were substantially higher in the iCBT group (40% for PHQ-9, 56% for GAD-7) versus the control group (13% for PHQ-9, 16% for GAD-7).

Conclusions:

• A translated, minimally monitored iCBT program can improve access to anxiety and depression treatment across different countries.
• This approach represents a viable initial strategy for expanding iCBT services globally.
• Further implementation of iCBT services can be considered as resources become available.