Can online therapy help depressed teens? new study tests internet CBT

NCT ID NCT04977856

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Region Stockholm Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy (ICBT) can help teens aged 13-17 with mild to moderate depression. 219 participants were randomly assigned to guided ICBT (with therapist support), self-guided ICBT (without support), or usual care. The goal was to see if online therapy is effective and cost-effective, potentially making treatment more accessible.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy (ICBT)
What this could lead to: If effective, this could provide a scalable, accessible treatment option for teens with depression, reducing the need for in-person therapy.
What could go wrong: The trial is completed but results may show limited benefit over usual care, and self-guided ICBT may not be as effective as therapist-guided versions.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

BUP Internetbehandling, BUP Forsknings- och utvecklingscentrum i Stockholm

Stockholm, Stockholm County, 11364, Sweden

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