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