Can a smartphone app beat the couch? new study tests online therapy for depression

NCT ID NCT02542891

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale, France Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether a blend of online and in-person therapy (called blended CBT) works as well as standard face-to-face therapy for adults with major depression. 105 participants were randomly assigned to either blended CBT or usual care. Researchers measured depression symptoms using a standard questionnaire to compare the two approaches.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: blended cognitive behavioral therapy (online and in-person sessions)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could show that online therapy is as effective as in-person therapy, making depression treatment more accessible.
What could go wrong: This is a completed trial with 105 participants, so results are limited in size and may not apply to everyone. Online therapy may not work for severe cases or those without reliable internet access.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

depressive disorder major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

DEPRESSIVE DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

CHRU Lapeyronie

Montpellier, 34295, France
CHU de Brest

Brest, France
CHU de Clermont- Ferrnand

Clermont-Ferrand, 63003, France
CHU de Grenoble

Grenoble, France
CHU de Tours

Tours, 37540, France
Centre Hospitalier Charles Perrens

Bordeaux, 33076, France
Centre Hospitalier Le Vinatier-

Bron, 69678, France
Hôpital A. Chenevier

Créteil, 94010, France
Hôpital de la conception Pôle Psychiatrie Centre

Marseille, 13005, France
Hôptial Fernand Widal

Paris, 75010, France

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