Trial of an Online Group Psychotherapy Intervention for Common Mental Health Disorders

Launched by ROTHERHAM DONCASTER AND SOUTH HUMBER NHS FOUNDATION TRUST · Dec 6, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new online group therapy program designed to help adults dealing with common mental health issues like anxiety and depression. The therapy involves eight different topics that teach various coping skills, and it takes place over 12 weekly sessions via video calls. Researchers want to find out the best way to deliver this therapy, including whether changing the order of the topics affects how well people feel after treatment. They will also compare the results of this online group therapy with traditional one-on-one therapy to see how they measure up.

To participate in the trial, individuals need to be at least 17 years old, fluent in English, and have access to the internet. They should also be currently on a waiting list for high-intensity cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and have symptoms of specific mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety. Participants will fill out online questionnaires about their symptoms before starting and after finishing the program. They will also have access to helpful online resources between sessions. This trial aims to find effective ways to support people who are struggling with their mental health in a group setting.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 17 years old and over
• • Literate and fluent in the English language, which would enable group interactions and learning via online materials
• • With access to an internet-connected device (e.g., computer, phone) and confidential space
• • Referred to NHS-TT services
• • Assessed by a qualified psychological professional and deemed to be eligible for high intensity CBT (this includes low risk of harm to self or others)
• • Currently on waiting list for high intensity CBT and not accessing any other psychological interventions. This includes patients accessing pharmacotherapy but who are additionally seeking psychological treatment
• • Presenting symptoms of one or more internalizing disorders (major depressive disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, specific phobias, somatoform disorder, obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, body dysmorphic disorder, post-traumatic stress and related disorders)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 16 years old and under
• • Not able to speak or read English fluently, which would require more individualised support with interpreters
• • No access to internet-connected device or confidential space to engage with digital intervention
• • Not involved with NHS-TT services
• • Assessed by a qualified psychological professional and not deemed to be eligible for high intensity CBT on the basis of mental health condition and/or risk assessment (e.g., acute risk of suicide at the time of assessment)
• • Already accessing a high intensity psychotherapy or other forms of psychological treatment (e.g., private therapy, counselling)
• • Presenting with symptoms of eating disorders, substance use disorders, psychotic disorders, personality disorders, bipolar disorders identified at the time of initial assessment.