Advancing equity in routine-care ICBT

Why was the study done?

Internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy (ICBT) can reduce barriers to mental health care. We examined whether patients accessing routine-care ICBT reflected the Saskatchewan population and whether treatment experiences and benefits differed across sociodemographic groups.

What was done in the study?

We compared the characteristics of patients enrolled in the Online Therapy Unit’s therapist-guided ICBT program with Saskatchewan census data. We also examined treatment outcomes, course engagement, and satisfaction across different groups.

What did we find out?

The service reached patients from a wide range of backgrounds, although some groups were less well represented, including men, younger adults, people with less education, and certain racial or cultural groups. Overall, patients from diverse backgrounds showed meaningful improvements in anxiety and depression, engaged with the course, and reported high satisfaction. Differences between groups were generally limited.

Where do we go from here?

The findings support ICBT as an effective and acceptable treatment for people from diverse backgrounds. They also highlight opportunities to use targeted outreach and service adaptations to extend its reach further.