Comparison of Treatment for Anxiety and Depression Augmented With TAO to Treatment as Usual (TAU) in the Weber Human Services

Access to effective treatment resources is a ubiquitous problem in behavioral health. There is a need for effective interventions that are more easily accessed at a lower cost. This stud will compare outcomes for two models of treatment: 1) The experimental group, Therapy Assistance Online (TAO), and 2) the comparison group, treatment as usual.

TAO group TAO is a suite of tools for providing patient education, support, and accountability delivered digitally. Educational materials are organized in an evidence based-protocolled treatment for anxiety or depression. TAO participants will attend a once weekly group in a computer lab. Each participant will complete an interactive educational module and have a brief session with the group leader to discuss application of the content. Participants will have access to a companion app they may use between sessions to practice skills and reinforce learning.

Treatment as Usual Group - After the completion of a psychosocial assessment, and development of a treatment plan, clients are offered individual and group therapy sessions, case management services, and medication management services depending on the diagnoses. Individual and group therapy is often generic in nature as well, although some structured, evidence-based treatments are offered such as Psycho-Education Multi-Family Group and Illness Management Recovery.

Potential participants will receive an initial evaluation and screening to determine diagnosis, appropriateness for the study, and level of care required. Informed consent will include a statement indicating that agreement to participate will not affect access to treatment. Those who do not wish to participate will receive care as usual. Patients who agree to participate will be randomly assigned to either treatment as usual or treatment augmented with TAO.

Referral and Randomization Process -