Computer-Assisted Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Maintaining Efficacy While Reducing Therapist Time

Abstract

A multimedia, computer-assisted form of cognitive therapy with reduced therapist contact was as efficacious as standard cognitive therapy. Computer-assisted therapy could decrease costs and improve access to cognitive therapy for depression.

Computer-Assisted Delivery of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Addiction: A Randomized Trial of CBT4CBT

“…In the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders, computer-assisted delivery of CBT has been demonstrated in randomized trials to be both effective (18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25) and cost effective (26). However, there have been few evaluations of computer-assisted treatment, of any type, for the addictions.…”

Computer-Assisted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Pregnant Women with Major Depressive Disorder

“…CCBT delivers therapy while reducing time in the therapist's office and helping improve access to and cost effectiveness of therapy. 30,45 Despite concerns that a computer lacks the warmth and empathy of a live therapist, studies show that patients enjoy working with computers. 29,45,46 CCBT offers a beneficial balance between traditional therapy and entirely computer-based treatment such that pregnant women may be willing to consider it an acceptable treatment alternative on par with traditional talk therapy.…”

“…Previous research has shown that patients typically complete all modules of the software in eight sessions. 30 Participants had the option of completing their assigned exercises at home during the week or following their in-office session with the clinician. The CCBT program used was not tailored specifically for pregnant women.…”

“…29 In nonpregnant populations, CCBT has shown similar efficacy to the standard form of CBT as well as a high completion rate. 30,31 We conducted a standardized case series of CCBT in pregnant women with antenatal depression to evaluate the acceptability and impact on symptom severity.…”

Design of the Coordinated Anxiety Learning and Management (CALM) study: innovations in collaborative care for anxiety disorders

“…One way to enhance dissemination is through computer-assisted programs delivered with a therapist present. [35][36] [37] Computerizing CBT also facilitates iterative learning of CBT strategies by novice therapists, who do not have to remember all the specific details and sequence of steps.…”