The Mental Health Foundation to give free online access to CCBT
Sep 26, 2006, 22:52, Reviewed by: Dr. Himanshu Tyagi
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"Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is widely recognised as one of the most effective methods for treating depression, yet there is a major shortage of therapists. Most people who want to try Cognitive Behavioural Therapy have to join long NHS waiting lists or pay to see a therapist privately. While online CBT is not a replacement for face-to-face therapy, we need to start investigating other supporting treatments that people with mental health problems can use."
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By Mental Health Foundation,
From the 1st November to 3rd January, visitors to the Mental Health Foundation's website will be able to get free access to Depression Relief - an online self-help program that uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy techniques. The program is being made available by Ultrasis, the healthcare company that developed Beating the Blues, the only computer based treatment for depression recommended by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) for use in the NHS.
Used by Primary Care Trusts in the United Kingdom and employee healthcare providers in the United States, Depression Relief is suitable for anyone experiencing mild or moderate depression. The confidential program allows users to go at their own pace, learning self-help techniques which can help them manage their condition.
"Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is widely recognised as one of the most effective methods for treating depression, yet there is a major shortage of therapists," said Andrew McCulloch, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation. Most people who want to try Cognitive Behavioural Therapy have to join long NHS waiting lists or pay to see a therapist privately. While online CBT is not a replacement for face-to-face therapy, we need to start investigating other supporting treatments that people with mental health problems can use."
"Mental health problems can have a negative impact on the well being of any one of us. We want people to know that the tools and techniques for prevention and treatment are available without having to wait months to see a therapist," said Nigel Brabbins, Chief Executive of Ultrasis Plc. Cost effective online programs need to be more widely available and we hope to reach as many people as possible through the Mental Health Foundation's website who may want help when NHS services are not available."
Visit www.mentalhealth.org.uk between 1 November 2006 and 3 January 2007 to get free unlimited access for four weeks. You will need broadband access to the Internet. Depression Relief has been designed for those aged 18 and over. The Mental Health Foundation strongly recommends that people should seek professional medical advice if they are concerned about their mental health. 
- Mental Health Foundation, UK
www.mentalhealth.org.uk
What is CBT?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a short-term therapy that offers a practical approach to problem-solving. It is most often delivered face to face, enabling a person to talk one-to-one with a trained therapist. CBT helps a person to see the link between how they think on one hand, and how they feel and behave on the other. In particular it works on identifying thoughts that are unrealistic and how to change them to more helpful ways of thinking.
Ultrasis has adapted Beating the Blues to provide Depression Relief - one of four educational and awareness programs that makes up the Relief series, a range of 4 web based, multi media self-help programs about depression, stress, anxiety and insomnia.
The Mental Health Foundation uses research and practical projects to help people survive, recover from and prevent mental health problems. We work to influence policy, including government at the highest levels. And we use our knowledge to raise awareness and to help tackle the stigma attached to mental illness. We reach millions of people every year through our media work, information booklets and online services: www.mentalhealth.org.uk
Ultrasis is a healthcare company with core expertise in health, psychology, software development and programme management. The Company delivers computerised healthcare products to the NHS, the corporate sector and other healthcare providers in the UK and US. Ultrasis was the first company to offer computerised products based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and interactive multimedia, and is the world leader in this field. The products help people tackle stress, anxiety and depression, and a full spectrum of related chronic conditions: www.ultrasis.com
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