Feasibility and acceptability of a brief, online transdiagnostic psychotherapy for young adults

The Unified Protocol (UP) for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders is a flexible form of cognitive behavioural therapy targeting diverse mental health disorders in children and adults.

The goal was to develop a brief version of UP tailored to the unique needs of young adults that could be administered in an online therapist-directed, group format.

Nineteen young adults (age 18-23) receiving mental health services from a community agency or a specialty clinic were enrolled in a feasibility test of the novel transdiagnostic, online intervention (five sessions, 90 minutes each). Qualitative interviews were conducted with participants after each session they attended and upon study completion (n = 80 interviews with n = 17 participants). Standardized quantitative mental health measures were collected at baseline (n = 19), end of treatment (5 weeks; n = 15) and at follow-up (12 weeks; n = 14).

Thirteen of the 18 participants (72%) who began treatment attended at least four of the five sessions. During the qualitative interviews, participants noted that core UP concepts such as understanding of emotions, mindfulness, cognitive flexibility, and behavioural activation are applicable in their day-to-day lives. Quantitative data showed a significant reduction in anxiety-related life impairment at follow-up compared to baseline, but not end of treatment compared to baseline. Reductions in global anxiety and depression symptoms were not statistically significant.

This novel, brief version of the UP may be a feasible online intervention for young adults seen at mental health clinics for diverse mental health issues and warrants further study to demonstrate effectiveness.