TY - JOUR
T1 - Online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Training for Therapists: Outcomes, Acceptability, and Impact of Support
AU - Bennett-Levy, James
AU - Hawkins, Russell
AU - Perry, Helen
AU - Cromarty, Paul
AU - Mills, Jeremy
PY - 2012/9
Y1 - 2012/9
N2 - The objectives of the present study were to assess the effects of online cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) training for therapists on measures of CBT knowledge, skills, confidence, and utilisation; to determine what differences might exist between a group supported by regular telephone contact and an independent group who undertook online training without additional support; and to determine the acceptability of CBT online training among rural and remote mental health professionals. Mental health practitioners were randomly allocated to a supported training group (six sessions of 15-min support) or an independent group. They undertook a 12-week online CBT training program. The two groups showed similar gains on an objective test of knowledge of CBT, and on self-report measures of knowledge, skills, confidence levels, and utilisation of skills. However, the supported training group had a significantly higher program completion rate than the independent group. Participants evaluated the program favourably. The results suggest that online CBT training represents a promising and cost-effective approach to training the mental health workforce, and may be particularly attractive for those who live in regional, rural, and remote communities. A challenge is to determine the most cost-effective ways to enhance program completion rates and trainee skills.
AB - The objectives of the present study were to assess the effects of online cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) training for therapists on measures of CBT knowledge, skills, confidence, and utilisation; to determine what differences might exist between a group supported by regular telephone contact and an independent group who undertook online training without additional support; and to determine the acceptability of CBT online training among rural and remote mental health professionals. Mental health practitioners were randomly allocated to a supported training group (six sessions of 15-min support) or an independent group. They undertook a 12-week online CBT training program. The two groups showed similar gains on an objective test of knowledge of CBT, and on self-report measures of knowledge, skills, confidence levels, and utilisation of skills. However, the supported training group had a significantly higher program completion rate than the independent group. Participants evaluated the program favourably. The results suggest that online CBT training represents a promising and cost-effective approach to training the mental health workforce, and may be particularly attractive for those who live in regional, rural, and remote communities. A challenge is to determine the most cost-effective ways to enhance program completion rates and trainee skills.
KW - CBT training
KW - Online CBT training
KW - Psychotherapy training
KW - Rural workforce
KW - Therapist skill development
KW - Therapist training
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84865113213&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1111/j.1742-9544.2012.00089.x
DO - 10.1111/j.1742-9544.2012.00089.x
M3 - Article
SN - 0005-0067
VL - 47
SP - 174
EP - 182
JO - Australian Psychologist
JF - Australian Psychologist
IS - 3
ER -
