Online CBT shows promise for treating depression in rural communities

NCT ID NCT04120285

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

Summary

This study tested whether giving primary care doctors access to an online cognitive behavior therapy program helps treat major depression in rural West Virginia and Kentucky. Over 1,200 adults participated. The goal was to see if remote therapy can improve depression remission rates and be a practical option where mental health services are scarce.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

remote internet-based cognitive behavior therapy (eCBT)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could provide an effective, accessible treatment option for depression in rural areas with limited mental health resources.

What could go wrong

This is a completed study, but results may not apply to all populations. Online therapy may not work for everyone, and access to technology is required.

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.

Depression major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Harpers Ferry Family Medicine

    Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, 25425, United States

  • Minnie Hamilton Health Systems

    Glenville, West Virginia, 26351, United States

  • Minnie Hamilton Health Systems

    Grantsville, West Virginia, 26147, United States

  • University of Lousiville Health

    Louisville, Kentucky, 40202, United States

  • Upper Kanawha Clinic

    Cedar Grove, West Virginia, 25039, United States

  • WVU Medicine

    Morgantown, West Virginia, 26505, United States

  • Wayne Medical Clinic

    Wayne, West Virginia, 25570, United States