Download - iCBT One Page Description for PCPs
Center for Population Health
www.bhonline.partners.org Information at a Glance Care Online Tool Patient-directed, internet-based course in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (iCBT)
Partners is launching depression module first; additional behavioral health modules to follow in the future
Evidence-based tool developed by St. Vincent’s Hospital in Australia and validated by McLean
Alternative resource (new “tool in the toolbox”) for treating low-moderate depression within primary care
Can be used as a standalone treatment, a complement to other treatment, or when tapering off other treatment
Depression Module One lesson per week takes six or more weeks
Course includes illustrated comic strip storyline, lesson summaries, daily activities, and skills practice
Psycho-education course content includes: behavioral activation, cognitive restructuring, problem solving skills, assertiveness training, and relapse prevention
Patient Eligibility Adults - 18 years or older
Low to moderate depression (PHQ-9 score of 5-19)
Easy access to computer and internet, accessible by phone
Not appropriate for patients with psychosis, active substance use disorder, bipolar (manic), or severe depression
Benefits Conducted in the privacy of patient’s own home, on their own time, and at their own pace
May be appealing to patients who are not receptive to face-to-face therapy
Addresses barriers to traditional therapy, e.g. cost, shortage of specialists, waitlists, transportation, scheduling etc.
Staffing Model Behavioral Health Support Specialist (BHSS) determines eligibility, explains program, and enrolls patient
BHSS conducts brief weekly check-ins by phone to encourage course completion; no clinical treatment involved
CBT expert psychologist provides ongoing clinical supervision to BHSS
Safety Monitoring
Patients respond to PHQ-9 via online survey presented at regular intervals throughout online course
Electronic alerts sent to providers for occasions when patients exceed PHQ-9 threshold scores
Referrals/Questions
Primary care providers refer patients to the Behavioral Health Support Specialist assigned to their practice