Online Mental Health Coaching for Anxiety and Depression

(SWAG-R Trial)

Overseen by Kayla Thayer, Ph.D., ABPP

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: Nova Southeastern University

Disqualifiers: Non-NSU students, Under 18, Psychotherapy, others

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of this research study is to provide a free 6-week, online psychological coaching program to NSU undergraduate students to help with anxiety, depression, and stress, while improving quality of life and healthy coping skills.

Do I need to stop taking my current medications to join the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It might be best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your healthcare provider.

What data supports the effectiveness of the SWAG-R Program treatment for anxiety and depression?

Research shows that online mental health programs with coaching can help people with anxiety and depression by improving engagement and understanding of the therapy. Coaching has been found to be important for building a positive relationship and helping patients apply skills, which enhances the overall experience and effectiveness of the treatment. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is online mental health coaching for anxiety and depression safe for humans?

Online mental health programs, including those with coaching, have been used safely by many people for anxiety and depression. These programs are designed to be low-risk and are often used without direct therapist involvement, making them accessible and safe for a wide range of users. ^{2 6 7 8 9}

How does the SWAG-R Program treatment differ from other treatments for anxiety and depression?

The SWAG-R Program is unique because it offers online mental health coaching, which is a self-guided, web-based approach that focuses on teaching mental health skills like behavioral activation and mindfulness. This method is distinct from traditional in-person therapy or medication, providing a flexible and accessible option for individuals seeking help with anxiety and depression. ^{3 7 10 11 12}

Research Team

Kayla Thayer, Ph.D., ABPP

Principal Investigator

Nova Southeastern University

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for NSU undergraduate students who are experiencing anxiety, depression, or stress. It aims to improve their quality of life and coping skills through a free 6-week online coaching program.

Inclusion Criteria

I am an 18+ year old undergraduate student currently enrolled at NSU.

Exclusion Criteria

Students who are not current NSU undergrads

I am 17 years old or younger.

Students who are currently enrolled in psychotherapy or mental health services

Trial Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 week

1 visit (phone call)

Treatment

Participants receive a 6-week online coaching program to help with anxiety, depression, and stress

6 weeks

6 sessions (online)

Waitlist

Participants on the waitlist do not receive the intervention during this period

6 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in anxiety, depression, stress, and other outcomes

6 weeks

3 assessments (online)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• SWAG-R Program (Behavioral Intervention)

Trial Overview The SWAG-R Program tests the effectiveness of an online mental health coaching intervention designed to support emotional well-being and resilience among college students.

Participant Groups

Group I: Intervention Group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The coaching program will consist of (6) free, 60 minute online coaching sessions. You will be assigned the same coach for the 6 weeks. You can coordinate schedule day/time preferences as the sessions will be done through HIPAA Zoom. Everyone in the study will get the same coaching topics in the same order.

Group II: Waitlist Group Active Control 1 Intervention

Waitlist, no intervention group

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Nova Southeastern University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

103

Recruited

12,000+

Findings from Research

In a randomized controlled trial involving 63 participants referred to secondary mental health care for depression, the addition of a coach to a Web-based therapy (The Journal) did not significantly improve depression scores compared to usual care with an information leaflet after 12 weeks.

Participants using The Journal attended fewer outpatient appointments on average, but this difference was not statistically significant, highlighting potential challenges in engagement and adherence to Web-based therapies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Web-based Therapy Plus Support by a Coach in Depressed Patients Referred to Secondary Mental Health Care: Randomized Controlled Trial. Hatcher, S., Whittaker, R., Patton, M., et al.[2020]

A systematic review of 52 studies, including 24 meta-analyses and 10 randomized controlled trials, found that Online Coaches are effective in supporting treatment for various mental disorders, particularly anxiety, depression, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The studies assessed showed predominantly acceptable to high methodological quality, indicating that Online Coaches can be a valuable supplement in mental health care for both treatment and prevention.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Indication and Evidence of Internationally Developed Online Coaches as Intervention for Mental Illness - a Meta-Review]. Stein, J., Röhr, S., Luck, T., et al.[2019]

In a study involving 60 patients and 9 licensed providers, the internet-based mental health program webSTAIR highlighted the critical role of coaches in building relationships and enhancing patient understanding of the program's content.

Both patients and providers emphasized that a positive coaching relationship significantly improved the overall experience and effectiveness of the internet-based mental health intervention.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Coaching with Internet-Based Mental Health Program: Patient and Coach Experiences. Roddy, MK., Chen, PV., Fletcher, TL., et al.[2023]

The Internet intervention Deprexis significantly reduced self-reported depression symptoms in a study of 376 adults, showing an effect size of 0.80 and a 12 times greater likelihood of achieving at least 50% symptom improvement compared to a waitlist control group.

The treatment also positively impacted secondary outcomes like well-being and depression-related disability, although effects on social anxiety and panic symptoms were smaller, indicating that while Deprexis is effective for depression, its benefits may vary for other related conditions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of an internet intervention (Deprexis) for depression in a united states adult sample: A parallel-group pragmatic randomized controlled trial. Beevers, CG., Pearson, R., Hoffman, JS., et al.[2019]

A study involving 24 community members with lived experience of depression and anxiety identified key factors that influence engagement with self-guided e-mental health programs, emphasizing the need for personalized feedback and information about program effectiveness.

The development of an engagement-facilitation intervention (EFI) could significantly improve community uptake of these programs by addressing personal barriers and normalizing their use, highlighting the importance of involving individuals with lived experience in the design process.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Consumer-Guided Development of an Engagement-Facilitation Intervention for Increasing Uptake and Adherence for Self-Guided Web-Based Mental Health Programs: Focus Groups and Online Evaluation Survey. Gulliver, A., Calear, AL., Sunderland, M., et al.[2020]

The Australian National University e-hub offers effective online self-help interventions for mental health, including automated programs and moderated support groups, which are beneficial for users with and without clinical mental disorders.

These web services are particularly advantageous for individuals seeking anonymity, those in rural areas, and those preferring self-help methods, making them suitable for various settings like schools and workplaces.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

e-hub: an online self-help mental health service in the community. Bennett, K., Reynolds, J., Christensen, H., et al.[2020]

A self-guided, web-based program aimed at preventing anxiety and depression was tested with 651 university students over eight weeks, focusing on mental health skills like mindfulness and behavioral activation.

While 73% of students started the program, only 11% completed it, indicating a need for improvements; however, 71% found the program useful, suggesting potential for further development and refinement.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Feasibility of a web-based program for universal prevention of anxiety and depression in university students: An open trial. Rith-Najarian, LR., Chorpita, BF., Gong-Guy, E., et al.[2022]

A pilot study involving 120 college students showed that health and wellness coaching significantly improved self-efficacy and behavior change related to stress and time management, with participants attending an average of four sessions.

The coaching program was well-received, with 96% of students recommending it, and it may help reduce the need for more intensive mental health services on campus, although some students experienced challenges in maintaining their progress after achieving their goals.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Pilot Evaluation of a University Health and Wellness Coaching Program for College Students. Bleck, J., DeBate, R., Garcia, J., et al.[2023]

In a study of 136 distressed college students, phone coaching added to online acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) did not significantly improve overall program engagement, satisfaction, or mental health outcomes compared to email prompts alone.

However, participants receiving coaching showed greater improvements in psychological inflexibility, particularly in the values/committed action component, suggesting that while coaching may help in specific areas, self-guided ACT with email prompts is generally effective for college student mental health.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evaluating the effects of guided coaching calls on engagement and outcomes for online acceptance and commitment therapy. Levin, ME., Krafft, J., Davis, CH., et al.[2021]

References

1. Canada pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Web-based Therapy Plus Support by a Coach in Depressed Patients Referred to Secondary Mental Health Care: Randomized Controlled Trial. [2020]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Lessons Learned: Providing Supportive Accountability in an Online Anxiety Intervention. [2023]

3. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Indication and Evidence of Internationally Developed Online Coaches as Intervention for Mental Illness - a Meta-Review]. [2019]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Coaching with Internet-Based Mental Health Program: Patient and Coach Experiences. [2023]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of an internet intervention (Deprexis) for depression in a united states adult sample: A parallel-group pragmatic randomized controlled trial. [2019]

6. Canada pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Consumer-Guided Development of an Engagement-Facilitation Intervention for Increasing Uptake and Adherence for Self-Guided Web-Based Mental Health Programs: Focus Groups and Online Evaluation Survey. [2020]

7. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Training, supervision, and experience of coaches offering digital guided self-help for mental health concerns. [2023]

8. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A randomized controlled trial on the role of support in Internet-based problem solving therapy for depression and anxiety. [2022]

9. Australia pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

e-hub: an online self-help mental health service in the community. [2020]

10. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Feasibility of a web-based program for universal prevention of anxiety and depression in university students: An open trial. [2022]

11. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Pilot Evaluation of a University Health and Wellness Coaching Program for College Students. [2023]

12. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evaluating the effects of guided coaching calls on engagement and outcomes for online acceptance and commitment therapy. [2021]