Effectiveness of a Cognitive Behavioral Coaching Program Delivered via Video in Real World Settings

Many employees experience high levels of stress in the workplace, which negatively impact their productivity and well-being. Effective stress management interventions exist, but are inaccessible due to insufficient numbers of mental health providers, long waiting times to initiate care, high out-of-pocket cost of care, and stigma related to receiving psychotherapy. The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy, in real-world circumstances, of a structured, cognitive behavioral coaching (CBC) program delivered through video or telephone. Retrospective data on 289 subjects who had sought support for emotional health through a behavioral health benefit offered through employers were examined. Changes in perceived stress and well-being over the course of the program were measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS), respectively. Rates of reliable change and satisfaction with the coaching program were also assessed. Scores on both the PSS and WEMWBS improved between baseline and follow-up. Approximately 61.9% (n = 289) of participants demonstrated reliable improvement on either measure. CBC is a promising intervention that has the potential to significantly expand access to effective and more affordable interventions for emotional health care. Coaching, when delivered by accredited professionals trained in cognitive behavioral theory and interventions and working in real-world settings, can be efficacious in decreasing perceived stress and increasing well-being when delivered through video or telephone.