RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Internet-delivered Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Students: Duration Preference Trial

This study is for university and college students who are struggling with feelings of depression or anxiety. We know that online therapy can be very helpful, but sometimes it's hard for students to finish these courses. This research wants to find out if offering different course lengths makes it easier for students to stick with and benefit from the program. Students can choose between a fast-track course, a 5-week course, or an 8-week course. All options offer online materials to help learn skills for managing mood, and students can get support from a therapist if they send a message. The study will compare how many students sign up for each option, how many complete it, and how much their symptoms improve. This will help make future online mental health support more flexible and better suited for students.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Regina

Enrolment target

200

Start

01 Nov 2020

Estimated completion

30 Apr 2027

Depression Anxiety

What is this study about?

This study is about making online mental health support better for students at colleges and universities. Many students experience feelings of depression and anxiety, and online therapy, often called "Internet-delivered Cognitive Behaviour Therapy" (ICBT), has been shown to be effective. This type of therapy teaches you strategies and skills to understand and manage your thoughts and feelings through structured online materials.

However, sometimes students don't complete these online courses. This might be because the courses don't always fit well with busy student lives. This study aims to explore if offering different course lengths can help students engage more effectively. Researchers want to see if a shorter, fast-track option, a middle 5-week option, or a longer 8-week option makes it easier for students to start, stick with, and gain benefits from the program.

When you participate, you'll get to choose the course length that you think works best for you. No matter which option you pick, you'll have access to a therapist if you need support; they will reply to any messages you send them. By understanding what students prefer and what works best, this research hopes to improve how online mental health support is offered to students in the future, making it more flexible and tailored to their needs.

Key takeaways

Online courses for student depression and anxiety.
Choose between fast, 5-week, or 8-week options.
Learn skills to manage your mood.
Optional online support from a therapist available.
Helps improve future online mental health for students.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be a student at a university or college in Saskatchewan and be over 18 years old. You should also be experiencing some feelings of depression or anxiety. You'll need to be comfortable using computers and the internet, as the therapy is delivered online.

There are a few reasons why you might not be able to join. If you've had a very high risk of harming yourself or been hospitalised for mental health reasons in the last year, this study might not be suitable. Similarly, if you have severe issues with alcohol or drug use that aren't being managed, or a serious mental health condition like psychosis or mania that isn't under control, you wouldn't be able to take part. Also, if you're already receiving a lot of other mental health therapy (more than twice a month), this study won't be right for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a student at a university or college in Saskatchewan?
Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you experience feelings of depression and/or anxiety?
Are you comfortable using a computer and the internet?
Have you been free from high suicide risk or mental health hospitalisation in the past year?
Do you manage any alcohol or drug use issues, or serious mental health conditions?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you will choose one of three online courses: a fast-track option, a 5-week option, or an 8-week option. Each course involves reviewing structured online materials that teach coping strategies for depression and anxiety. You will work through these materials at your own pace within the chosen timeframe.

Throughout your course, you will have the option to receive support from a therapist. The therapist will not contact you unless you send them a message first. They will then respond to your questions or provide guidance. The total duration of your participation will depend on the course length you choose (fast-track, 5 weeks, or 8 weeks), plus any initial assessments and final follow-up surveys to measure your progress. There are no in-person visits or specific medications involved in this study.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of joining this study is gaining valuable skills and strategies to manage symptoms of depression and anxiety through an online course that may be more flexible for your schedule. You might also find that the online therapist support is helpful. As with any mental health intervention, there's a small chance you might feel some temporary discomfort while exploring difficult emotions. Participation is always voluntary, and you are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and it will not affect your usual standard of care.

Locations (1)

Online Therapy Unit, University of Regina
Verified postcode
Regina, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is internet-delivered Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (ICBT)?

ICBT is a type of talk therapy that you do online. It uses structured materials to help you learn new ways of thinking and behaving to manage feelings like depression and anxiety.

Do I have to meet a therapist in person?

No, all the therapy materials are online. You can also communicate with a therapist online if you choose to, by sending them messages.

How long will I be involved in the study?

That depends on the course length you choose! You can pick a fast-track option, a 5-week course, or an 8-week course, plus some time for initial checks and final questionnaires.

What happens if I don't finish the course?

The study is looking at why students might not complete courses, so it's perfectly fine if you don't finish. You can stop participating at any time.

Will I get 'better' from this study?

The goal of these courses is to help you learn skills to manage your depression and anxiety. Many people find them helpful, but individual results can vary. This study is trying to find the best way to deliver this support.

How to find out more

Marcie Nugent, MSW

marcie.nugent@uregina.ca 3063372946 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.