Acceptability and Feasibility of Training to Integrate Digital CBT for Insomnia Into Routine Psychotherapy: A Focus...

Routine psychotherapy for mental health problems does not adequately address insomnia. Integrating cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia (CBTI) into routine psychotherapy could both extend the reach of CBTi and enhance sleep and mental health outcomes. Digital CBTi (dCBTI) is a promising and scalable option for integration that requires little prior training and session time. This study aimed to understand the perspectives of licensed mental health therapists on the acceptability and feasibility of this strategy of integrated dCBTI.

Six one-hour focus groups were conducted with 52 licensed therapists (21 PhD/PsyD, 11 LCSW, 10 MFT, 9 LPC, 2 MD). Each group included 6-11 participants. Inductive thematic analysis was used.

Therapists identified general advantages of dCBTI, benefits to integration, and concerns about integration. They described the knowledge and resources needed both for training and in session. They expressed that a 4-hour workshop and spending 5-10 minutes in session supporting patient use of dCBTI would be feasible.

Data offer preliminary evidence in support of the perceived value, acceptability, and feasibility of integrating dCBTI in routine psychotherapy from a therapist perspective. Therapists are open to receiving training in integrated dCBTI and see its potential value in improving outcomes for their patients.