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

NCT ID NCT02542891

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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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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.

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