{
  "id": 2139995,
  "title": "Novel delivery of therapist-led online CBT can ease depression symptoms and improve daily functioning",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/novel-delivery-of-therapist-led-online-cbt-can-ease-depression",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-08-20T13:20:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Medical Xpress",
    "slug": "medical-xpress",
    "url": "https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-08-delivery-therapist-online-cbt-ease.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A new study conducted by the University of Bristol has found that a combination of therapist-led online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with interactive online materials can significantly reduce symptoms of depression and improve daily functioning in adults. The research, published in The Lancet Primary Care, involved 451 participants with depression who were recruited from 67 general practitioner (GP) practices across England. Half of the participants were offered the integrated CBT, which consisted of nine to 12 therapist-led sessions delivered through instant messaging, along with worksheets and resources accessible through a secure digital platform. The other half continued to receive usual care from their GP. After six months, those who received the integrated CBT had depression scores that were, on average, 4.4 points lower compared to the usual care group. These benefits were maintained over 12 months. This innovative approach to delivering therapist-led online CBT could help increase access to evidence-based treatment for depression, especially for individuals who face challenges attending traditional in-person appointments due to work, caregiving, remote locations, or social anxiety. The study's findings suggest that this method could offer more flexible mental health support options for services.",
  "summary": "A new way of delivering therapist-led online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can reduce symptoms of depression and improve function, according to new University of Bristol-led research published in The Lancet Primary Care.",
  "key_points": [
    "Integrated CBT with online materials reduces depression symptoms",
    "451 participants with depression in England study",
    "Benefits maintained over 12 months after 6-month trial"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}