Internet-delivered Cognitive Behavior Therapy Preferences (1 CE)

Number of Credits: 1

This course is for: Clinical Psychologists, Counselors, and Marriage & Family Therapists

Course By: Ken Springer, PhD

Content By: Hadjistavropoulos, H. D., Schneider, L. H., Mehta, S., Karin, E., Dear, B. F., & Titov, N. (2019). Preference trial of internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy comparing standard versus optional weekly therapist support. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 63, 51-60.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.janxdis.2019.02.002

Course Description: Internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy (ICBT) has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, but studies comparing the effectiveness of therapist-guided versus self-directed ICBT have yielded inconsistent results, and few studies have examined which approach  patients prefer. The present study examined patient preferences among versions of an 8-week ICBT program that were either standard (i.e., therapist-guided) or optional (i.e., self-guided, with the option of contacting the therapist). Also examined were changes in patients' anxiety and depression following treatment. The researchers found that almost four times as many patients preferred standard ICBT as compared to the optional version, but that patients in each group showed similar completion rates, as well as comparable reductions in symptoms of anxiety and depression following treatment. In addition, patients who chose the optional program exchanged fewer messages and phone calls with their therapists than patients who chose the standard program. The results highlight the need to consider patient preferences in the level of support that accompanies ICBT. The results also suggest that self-guided ICBT can be an effective alternative to therapist-guided ICBT.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the rationale for the study as well as the methods used to gather data on patient preferences and outcomes
2. Describe the main findings of the study with respect to standard versus optional ICBT
3. Integrate the strengths and limitations of the study, and summarize the clinical implications for how ICBT is delivered

Course Outline:

• Read and understand Preference trial of internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy comparing standard versus optional weekly therapist support
• Review the Course Description and Learning Objectives
• Understand the need for studying patient preferences and outcomes associated with standard and optional ICBT
• Understand how data were collected from patients prior to and following treatment
• Analyze the differences in patient preferences for standard versus optional ICBT as well as the outcomes associated with each version
• Integrate the study's key findings, strengths, limitations, and practical implications
• Work through the post-test questions, using the article as the sole basis for your answers
• Revisit the article for any missed questions and/or to better understand preferences and outcomes associated with standard versus optional ICBT

Approvals: