Efficacy of Therapist Guided Internet Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Depression: A Qualitative Exploration of Therapists and Clients Experiences

Depression is an incapacitating mood disorder that present among 20 million Pakistanis. About 3.4% of annual deaths in Pakistan are due to depression. CBT has been proven a successful treatment module for depression Pakistan. However, whether individual therapist-guided internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (iCBT) practiced widely during the pandemic COVID-19 effective remains unclear. It was this time educational institutions and government hospitals experienced tele-psychotherapy. Therefore, generate evidence on efficacy iCBT maximize benefits adopting it, study carried out. Semi-structured interviews were conducted from N=10 participants (5=Therapists, 5=Clients) experiencing via Zoom. The data coded using NVivo software version 12 pro. An inductive approach thematic analysis used form meaningful themes subthemes. Analysis resulted into two major – (1) Similarities Perspective Therapists & Clients, consisting three subthemes: (a) Clinical Efficacy iCBT, (b) Ease Use Perceived Usefulness (c) Additional Therapist Support Extra-Therapeutic Influence; (2) Differences subthemes Environment Structure Therapy. concluded as by both therapists clients. suggested large scale experimental studies be out future quantitatively test iCBT. perceived attached with tele-practice must maximized reduce disease burden fill mental health gap.