Online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Student Mental Health

Overseen By Marcie Nugent, MSW

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Regina

Disqualifiers: High suicide risk, Unmanaged substance use, Severe psychiatric illness, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 5-8 weeks

200 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores the effectiveness of online cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) for college students dealing with depression and anxiety. Students can choose between three course lengths—fast-track, 5-week, or 8-week—to find the best fit for their needs and lifestyle. All options include optional therapist support, with the therapist reaching out only if the student initiates contact. This study is ideal for students in Saskatchewan who experience symptoms of depression or anxiety and are comfortable using online platforms. It aims to improve the delivery of flexible treatment options, such as the Wellbeing Course, in everyday settings. As an unphased trial, it offers students the chance to contribute to innovative mental health solutions tailored to their unique needs.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It focuses on online therapy for depression and anxiety, so it's best to discuss your medications with the trial team or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that this online cognitive behavioural therapy is safe for students?

Research shows that online cognitive behavior therapy (ICBT) is generally well-received by students dealing with anxiety and depression. Previous studies have found that many students experience moderate to large improvements in their symptoms, indicating that they find the treatment helpful without major issues.

The Wellbeing Course and the Wellbeing Course for Students, part of this trial, have been specifically checked for side effects. Current evidence suggests that these courses usually do not cause serious side effects. Participants in similar studies have completed the courses without major problems.

Overall, ICBT, including the Wellbeing Course, appears to be a safe choice for students wanting to manage their mental health symptoms. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about these online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) courses because they offer flexible, accessible mental health support for students. Unlike traditional in-person therapy sessions, these courses allow students to engage with tailored content at their own pace, fitting into their busy schedules. The Fast-Track and 5-Week Courses specifically cater to student experiences, while the 8-Week Course provides extended support. Each course includes optional therapist guidance and a variety of resources to manage issues like panic and communication, adding a personalized touch to online therapy. This approach could revolutionize how students access mental health care by making it more convenient and less intimidating.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for student mental health?

Research has shown that online cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) effectively reduces depression and anxiety in students. One study found that university students using ICBT programs significantly improved their anxiety symptoms. Additionally, a review of several studies confirmed that online mental health treatments work well for college students. In this trial, participants can choose between different versions of the Wellbeing Course, including the Fast-Track Course, the 5-Week Course, and the 8-Week Course. Each option offers personalized resources and optional therapist support, providing flexibility that can help more students complete the treatment and achieve better results. Overall, strong evidence supports ICBT in helping students manage their mental health challenges. ^{1 2 4 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Vanessa Peynenburg, MA

Principal Investigator

University of Regina

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for post-secondary students in Saskatchewan over 18 years old who are experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety. Participants must be comfortable using computers and the Internet. It's not suitable for those at high risk of suicide, with recent hospitalization for mental health, unmanaged substance issues, severe psychiatric conditions like psychosis or mania, or receiving frequent psychological services.

Inclusion Criteria

Be able to access computers and the Internet and be comfortable using them

I am over 18 years old.

I am experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety.

Exclusion Criteria

I see a therapist or counselor more than twice a month.

Severe psychiatric illness that is not managed (e.g. psychosis or mania)

High risk of suicide or hospitalization for mental health in previous 12 months

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

Baseline

Treatment

Participants receive internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy (ICBT) with options for Fast-Track (5 weeks), 5-week, or 8-week courses, including optional therapist support.

5-8 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, with assessments at week 16 for all course options.

8 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Wellbeing Course
• Wellbeing Course for Students

Trial Overview

The study tests three durations of an internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy (ICBT) course: a fast-track option, a 5-week course, and an 8-week course. All options include optional therapist support based on student engagement. The trial aims to determine which duration best suits students' needs by comparing enrollment rates and treatment outcomes.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Fast-Track Course Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Clients who select the Fast-Track Course option will receive access to a single ICBT core lesson and Do-It-Yourself guide, followed by three additional Do-It-Yourself guides that they can access in any order. The content includes examples that are tailored to students' experiences. Clients have access to diverse additional resources (e.g., managing panic, assertive communication) throughout the course. Clients will receive up to five weeks of optional therapist support.

Group II: 8-Week Course Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Clients who select the 8-week course will receive access to an ICBT course which consists of five lessons spread across the span of eight weeks. The content in this course is not student-specific. Clients have access to diverse additional resources (e.g., managing panic, assertive communication) throughout the course. Clients will receive eight weeks of optional therapist support.

Group III: 5-Week Course Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Clients who select the 5-week course will receive access to an ICBT course which consists of four lessons spread across the span of five weeks. The content includes examples that are tailored to students' experiences. Clients have access to diverse additional resources (e.g., managing panic, assertive communication) throughout the course. Clients will receive five weeks of optional therapist support.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Regina

Lead Sponsor

Trials

59

Recruited

9,100+

Ministry of Health, Saskatchewan

Collaborator

Trials

4

Recruited

2,800+

Saskatchewan Ministry of Health

Collaborator

Trials

4

Recruited

2,800+

Published Research Related to This Trial

The Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service in the UK effectively monitors and reports clinical outcomes for over 537,000 patients annually, revealing that specific organizational factors, such as the number of treatment sessions and timely access to care, significantly predict better mental health outcomes.

Improvements in service organization could enhance clinical outcomes by 11-42%, indicating that how psychological therapies are delivered is as crucial as the treatments themselves, and this model could be beneficial for mental health services globally.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Transparency about the outcomes of mental health services (IAPT approach): an analysis of public data. Clark, DM., Canvin, L., Green, J., et al.[2023]

In a study involving 308 postsecondary students undergoing internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT), 54% completed the treatment, showing significant improvements in depression and anxiety symptoms that were sustained at 1 and 3 months post-treatment.

While motivational interviewing (MI) before treatment did not enhance completion rates, students who accessed self-guided booster lessons after treatment experienced greater reductions in depressive symptoms, suggesting that timing and support for boosters may be crucial for effectiveness.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Postsecondary Students: Randomized Factorial Trial for Examining Motivational Interviewing and Booster Lessons. Peynenburg, V., Hadjistavropoulos, H., Thiessen, D., et al.[2022]

Citations

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This trial will examine students' preferences for different course options (fast-track, 5-week, and 8-week) and compare enrollment, adherence, and ...

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Online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Student Mental ...

This trial will examine students' preferences for different course options (fast-track, 5-week, and 8-week) and compare enrollment, adherence, and outcomes of ...

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A recent meta-analysis of 48 studies supported the effectiveness of technology-based mental health interventions (mostly delivered via computer) in college ...

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A randomised controlled trial examined iCBT for students with anxiety and depression. Treatment group effect sizes on symptom measures were moderate to large.

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clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04264585

Internet-delivered Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (ICBT) for ...

The UniWellbeing Course is a transdiagnostic intervention targeting symptoms of depression and anxiety, that has been tailored for use in post- ...