title: Internet-based CBT for depression with and without telephone tracking in a national helpline: randomised controlled trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Telephone helplines are frequently and repeatedly used by individuals with chronic mental health problems and web interventions may be an effective tool for reducing depression in this population.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effectiveness of a 6 week, web-based cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) intervention with and without proactive weekly telephone tracking in the reduction of depression in callers to a helpline service.
  
  
  METHODS
  155 callers to a national helpline service with moderate to high psychological distress were recruited and randomised to receive either Internet CBT plus weekly telephone follow-up; Internet CBT only; weekly telephone follow-up only; or treatment as usual.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Depression was lower in participants in the web intervention conditions both with and without telephone tracking compared to the treatment as usual condition both at post intervention and at 6 month follow-up. Telephone tracking provided by a lay telephone counsellor did not confer any additional advantage in terms of symptom reduction or adherence.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A web-based CBT program is effective both with and without telephone tracking for reducing depression in callers to a national helpline.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Controlled-Trials.comISRCTN93903959.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Mental Health Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia. Louise.Farrer@anu.edu.au
authors.forename: Louise
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Farrer
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Christensen
authors.forename: Kathleen M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Griffiths
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mackinnon
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010352:Patient Dropouts; D010358:Patient Participation; D013689:Telephone