Recruiting

Therapist-Guided Internet-Delivered CBT for Chronic Conditions: Predictors of Change

ClinicalTrials.gov IDNCT07233980

PhaseNA

Enrollment260

SponsorUniversity of Regina

Age18 Years

SexALL

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Conditions studied

Chronic Physical Health Conditions

About this study

Chronic health conditions are common, disabling, and often co-occur with depression and anxiety. Internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy (ICBT) reduces barriers to treatment and has been adapted for chronic conditions. A transdiagnostic approach is promising because it is both effective and convenient in that clients with diverse conditions receive the same program. Both therapist-guided and self-guided formats have been found effective; however, in routine care therapist support is most common to ensure that clients have support to personalize care. This study evaluates the therapist-guided Chronic Conditions Course (CCC) and examines predictors of change. Past research shows that the most robust predictors of ICBT outcomes are baseline severity, adherence, credibility, and working alliance. However, few studies of ICBT for chronic conditions have examined predictors together. Moreover, the researchers are aware of no studies that have examined these core predictors in routine delivery of ICBT for those with chronic health conditions alongside other predictors-such as changes in thoughts and adaptive actions. A limitation of past work is that predictor analyses were typically secondary to trials designed for other purposes. This study directly addresses that gap by prospectively modeling predictors of change in routine care.

Interventions

Behavioral: Internet-delivered CBT - Chronic Conditions Course (CCC) — The Wellbeing Course for Chronic Health Conditions is a transdiagnostic, internet-delivered cognitive behavioral intervention developed at Macquarie University. It is designed to help people living with chronic health conditions develop skills and strategies to maintain quality of life and emotional wellbeing. The course comprises 5 core online lessons released gradually over 8 weeks, targeting symptom identification, challenging unhelpful thoughts, pleasant activity scheduling, activity pacing and graded exposure, and relapse prevention. Each lesson is accompanied by downloadable exercise worksheets, case stories, and additional resources addressing challenges that clients may face alongside their chronic health conditions, such as assertive communication. Lesson materials are presented in a didactic, text-based format with visual supports. Therapists spend approximately 15 minutes each week responding to clients' messages and providing support.

Primary outcomes

Depression (Baseline (Screening), weeks 1-8, and 20 from enrollment)
Anxiety (Baseline (Screening), weeks 1-8 and 20 from enrollment)

Eligibility information

Inclusion Criteria: * Saskatchewan resident (as funding is provided by Saskatchewan government); * Aged 18 years or older; * self-reported diagnosed with chronic physical health condition affecting mental health; * Access to a computer and the Internet; * Consent to treatment/research Exclusion Criteria: * Current severe psychiatric or medical condition that requires immediate treatment and or would interfere with participation (e.g. current mania or psychosis, actively suicidal or unable to keep themselves safe, medical condition requiring immediate surgery or other invasive treatment, cognitive difficulties); * Taking part in another treatment in our clinic; * Living outside of Saskatchewan

Study locations

Online Therapy Unit, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan S4S 0A2 Canada
Online Therapy Unit, Regina, Saskatchewan S4S 0A2 Canada

Before you participate: Varda Clinical is an independent discovery tool, not the study sponsor or a medical provider. Eligibility can only be determined by the official study team. Discuss potential risks and benefits with a qualified healthcare professional.

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov. Record last refreshed by Varda Clinical: 2026-09-27.