The document summarizes an online cognitive behavioral therapy tool being launched by Partners to treat low to moderate depression. The tool consists of weekly illustrated lessons that provide psychoeducation and skills training over 6 weeks. Eligible patients are adults with PHQ-9 scores between 5-19, who have internet access. Benefits include privacy and flexibility to complete the program at home on their own schedule. Staff support the program by determining eligibility, enrolling patients, and conducting brief weekly check-ins by phone.

1. 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