{"id":229,"date":"2021-01-28T20:45:40","date_gmt":"2021-01-28T20:45:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/penmore.com\/insurance\/what-is-icbt\/"},"modified":"2022-09-15T14:16:00","modified_gmt":"2022-09-15T14:16:00","slug":"what-is-icbt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/penmore.com\/insurance\/what-is-icbt\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is iCBT?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Internet-based cognitive be<\/span><\/span>h<\/span><\/span>avioural therap<\/span><\/span>y<\/span><\/span>\u00a0is\u00a0<\/span><\/span>fast becoming a\u00a0<\/span><\/span>key element of virtual health<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>care<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

By Bill Zolis<\/p>\n

I don\u2019t think I\u2019ve ever seen a new idea\u00a0<\/span>in health care, and one\u00a0<\/span>that\u00a0<\/span>has\u00a0<\/span>such\u00a0<\/span>a big impact on employee benefits<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0take off quite as\u00a0<\/span>fast as internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy, or\u00a0<\/span>iCBT<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>I think it\u2019s a case of the right technology<\/span>\u00a0being in the right place at the right time<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

CBT itself, whether it\u2019s Internet-based or face-to-face in a professional\u2019s office, is\u00a0<\/span>not new. It has\u00a0<\/span>for many years\u00a0<\/span>been the first-line treatment for\u00a0<\/span>most of the mental health issues\u00a0<\/span>that send people to their doctors\u2019 offices<\/span>, such as<\/span>\u00a0anxiety, depression,\u00a0<\/span>obsessi<\/span>ve-compulsive behaviours\u00a0<\/span>and<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>stress<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And CBT is not just\u00a0<\/span>\u201ctalking about your problems.\u201d It is a\u00a0<\/span>structured\u00a0<\/span>process of helping people to understand\u00a0<\/span>how some of the things they think and feel and believe\u00a0<\/span>may be mistaken or out of proportion\u00a0<\/span>in ways that end up being destructive to their well-being<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So where does the Internet-based delivery of CBT fit into the picture?\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

First, there is a huge demand for mental health services<\/span>. According to numbers I\u2019ve been able to find, at least 40 percent of visits to a doctor\u2019s office or\u00a0<\/span>Emergency Department are mental-health related.\u00a0<\/span>Add wait-times to the picture\u00a0<\/span>\u2013<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>days to see a family doctor, months to get an appointment with a psychiatrist \u2013 and it becomes\u00a0<\/span>pretty obvious that there is\u00a0<\/span>a great deal of\u00a0<\/span>pent up demand.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Second,\u00a0<\/span>it\u2019s becoming clear th<\/span>at virtual healthcare (as I talked about in a\u00a0<\/span>previous blog<\/span><\/a>)<\/span>\u00a0is a very effective way of delivering\u00a0<\/span>CBT<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>Figures I\u2019ve seen\u00a0<\/span>from the National Institutes of Health\u00a0<\/span>suggest\u00a0<\/span>that a majority of users of the service report a<\/span>\u00a0significant<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>reduction in symptoms<\/span><\/a>, and that most users report being\u00a0<\/span>happy with the experience.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Things are evolving pretty rapidly in the field of\u00a0<\/span>iCBT<\/span>,\u00a0<\/span>but there appear to be\u00a0<\/span>several different models<\/span>, and choosing the best approach\u00a0<\/span>will, of course, vary from one user to\u00a0<\/span>the next. (One thing all of these programs tend to stress is that\u00a0<\/span>iCBT<\/span>\u00a0is not for\u00a0<\/span>emergency\u00a0<\/span>mental health issues, such as severe\u00a0<\/span>depression or suicidal thoughts \u2013 which require<\/span>\u00a0an<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>immediate response,\u00a0<\/span>like<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>going to the nearest Emergency Department.)<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

– Some programs are strictly on<\/span>-line. You log in, provide information about yourself<\/span>, and work through a self-paced\u00a0<\/span>series of\u00a0<\/span>elements<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

–\u00a0<\/span>Many programs\u00a0<\/span>start with a live consultation and assessment<\/span>, followed by\u00a0<\/span>independent\u00a0<\/span>work recommended by the\u00a0<\/span>consultant. There may or may not be touch points along the way to speak live with\u00a0<\/span>the professional.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

– O<\/span>ther programs consist<\/span>\u00a0of a series<\/span>\u00a0of live, on-line\u00a0<\/span>virtua<\/span>l\u00a0<\/span>consultation<\/span>s<\/span>\u00a0with a CBT professional<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I think there are a lot of reasons\u00a0<\/span>why\u00a0<\/span>iCBT<\/span>\u00a0is taking off so rapidly.\u00a0<\/span>Major insurers<\/span>\u00a0have been making\u00a0<\/span>iCBT<\/span>\u00a0available to\u00a0<\/span>benefits plan sponsors since 2018, and it has become a key component of many bene<\/span>fits plans.\u00a0<\/span>In Ontario, the government added free on-line mental health consultations for members of the public as part of its COVID\u00a0<\/span>response plan in 2020.\u00a0<\/span>And private insurers are adding\u00a0<\/span>iCBT<\/span>\u00a0to their\u00a0<\/span>line of\u00a0<\/span>consumer\u00a0<\/span>packages.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So why is everyone coming on board<\/span>? Like I said at the beginning, it\u2019s a case of having the right product, at the right time, in the right place. (And the \u201cright place<\/span>,\u201d especially during a pandemic lockdown in a work-from-home world, is\u00a0<\/span>safe at home.)<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

– Effectiveness.\u00a0<\/span>The bottom line driving the rise of virtual health<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>care and\u00a0<\/span>iCBT<\/span>, is that there is an impressive and growing body of research that shows that it can be very effective.\u00a0<\/span>The NIH study I cited above goes so far as to say that symptom reduction is in line with that achieved in face-to-face treatment scenarios.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

–\u00a0<\/span>Employee retention<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>We\u2019ve talked about the\u00a0<\/span>\u201cwell workplace\u201d in this blog\u00a0<\/span>many times,\u00a0<\/span>and I keep coming back to the role of a good benefits program<\/span>. Providing benefits that people will use<\/span>, and that are effective in supporting their wellness, will have positive effects\u00a0<\/span>up and down the line \u2013 employee retention, reduced absenteeism,\u00a0<\/span>better morale<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

–\u00a0<\/span>Reach<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>We know that a great many people \u2013 although I couldn\u2019t find any research on numbers<\/span>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0<\/span>just wouldn\u2019t go to a doctor for a<\/span>ny reason, if they could avoid it.\u00a0<\/span>But\u00a0<\/span>iCBT<\/span>, and virtual health<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>care in general, are a different ballgame entirely.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

– Capacity.\u00a0<\/span>With 40 percent of doctor visits being for mental health issues,\u00a0<\/span>iCBT<\/span>\u00a0adds\u00a0<\/span>more resources that may relieve some of the demands on the medical system<\/span>\u00a0\u2013 one of the reasons governments are joining the trend (and not standing in the way of privately funded access to health care in this case).<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

–\u00a0<\/span>Secondary benefits<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>The American Psychological Association \u2013 which strongly supports\u00a0<\/span>iCBT<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u2013<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>suggests that 70 percent of doctors visits are actually mental health related in some way<\/span>. Or, to put it another way, that\u00a0<\/span>better and earlier treatment of mental health issues would result in a large reduction in other health issues<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

–\u00a0<\/span>Cost<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>On-line treatment of mental health issues\u00a0<\/span>is simply much cheaper<\/span>, regardless of who is paying the bill,\u00a0<\/span>than a series of doctor visits or hospitalization<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

–\u00a0<\/span>A<\/span>ccessibility<\/span>. Anyone \u2013 and especially any employee with\u00a0<\/span>iCBT<\/span>\u00a0and virtual healthcare as part of their benefits package \u2013 can access care without long wait times,\u00a0<\/span>and without taking a half day off for each doctor visit.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

–\u00a0<\/span>Removing barriers<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>Virtual healthcare solutions,\u00a0<\/span>such as\u00a0<\/span>iCBT<\/span>, go a long way in removing the stigma that many people still feel is associated with seeking\u00a0<\/span>help for mental health issues. People who are reluctant to seek help<\/span>\u00a0find\u00a0<\/span>iCBT<\/span>, from their own homes on their own schedule, much less stressful<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

– Ease of use. With\u00a0<\/span>iCBT<\/span>, there is no need to make an appointment, travel to a doctors office, wait in t<\/span>h<\/span>e waiting room<\/span>\u00a0\u2013 and be\u00a0<\/span>hurried out again when their allotted time is up.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Yes, the pandemic and the lockdown and the\u00a0<\/span>surprising success of working from home have given\u00a0<\/span>virtual services a big boost and an opportunity to prove themselves.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>I think we\u2019ll be hearing a great deal more about\u00a0<\/span>iCBT<\/span>\u00a0and virtual healthcare in general.<\/span>\u00a0It\u2019s here to sta<\/span>y.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I\u2019ve come across several very interesting presentations in the last couple of weeks, and I thought I would share them with you.<\/span>\u00a0I think you will find them as thought-provoking as I did.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Penmore<\/span>\u00a0education series:\u00a0<\/span>Mental Wellness in the Workplace\u00a0<\/span>Webinar<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Benefits Alliance presents Dr. Robyn<\/span>e<\/span>\u00a0Hanl<\/span>e<\/span>y-Dafoe<\/span>, on resiliency and\u00a0<\/span>workplace<\/span>\u00a0wellness.\u00a0<\/span>Click here<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span>to watch the presentation.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ontario Shores Foundation<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>6<\/span>th<\/span>\u00a0Annual Mental Health Conversation keynote speaker, Kevin Frankish<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Click here<\/span><\/a>\u00a0to\u00a0<\/span>listen.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Mike Evans:\u00a0<\/span>23 and 1\/2 hours: What is the single best thing we can do for our health?<\/span>\u00a0Watch YouTube\u00a0<\/span>video here.<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I really appreciate comments, ideas, suggestions or just observations about the blog or any other topics in benefits management. I always look forward to hearing from readers. If there\u2019s anything you want to share,<\/span>\u00a0please email me at\u202f<\/span>bill@penmore.com<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Copyright Notice<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a9\u00a0<\/span>Penmore<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Callery<\/span>\u00a0Group 20<\/span>2<\/span>1<\/span>. All rights reserved. All of the content herein is the sole property of the\u00a0<\/span>Penmore<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Callery<\/span>\u00a0Group, and may not be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in a retrieval system – in whole or in part – without the written permission of the\u00a0<\/span>Penmore<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Callery<\/span>\u00a0Group. Links to the originating article at www.callerygroup.com are permitted.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Buzz B<\/span><\/b>its<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Canada\u2019s mental-health care system ripe for a digital makeover<\/span><\/b><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking back \u2014 and ahead \u2014 after an unprecedented year<\/span><\/b><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Addressing the role of the workplace in mental-health issues, support<\/span><\/b><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Understanding the journey of a patient with depression<\/span><\/b><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Employers requiring coronavirus vaccinations must consider human rights, privacy<\/span><\/b><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

12 Group Insurance Trends and Predictions for 2021<\/span><\/b><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy\u00a0is\u00a0fast becoming a\u00a0key element of virtual health\u00a0care\u00a0 By Bill Zolis I don\u2019t think I\u2019ve ever seen a new idea\u00a0in health care, and one\u00a0that\u00a0has\u00a0such\u00a0a big impact on employee benefits,\u00a0take off quite as\u00a0fast as internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy, or\u00a0iCBT.\u00a0I think it\u2019s a case of the right technology\u00a0being in the right place at the right […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-229","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/penmore.com\/insurance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/229","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/penmore.com\/insurance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/penmore.com\/insurance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/penmore.com\/insurance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/penmore.com\/insurance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=229"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/penmore.com\/insurance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/229\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/penmore.com\/insurance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=229"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/penmore.com\/insurance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=229"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/penmore.com\/insurance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=229"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}