Design and feasibility of a new cognitive-behavioural therapy course using a longitudinal interactive format.

OBJECTIVE This report describes the design and feasibility of conducting a unique longitudinal supervision course incorporating both therapist and patient evaluation measures in teaching cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) to a group of mental health practitioners. METHOD We designed a 10-session longitudinal supervision course to teach CBT by applying key continuing medical education (CME) principles. Each session consisted of 30 minutes of didactics and demonstrations followed by 90 minutes of group case supervision. Course participants were mental health practitioners who treated patients from their own practice; most of the patients suffered from a depressive and (or) anxiety disorder. We assessed therapists for CBT skill acquisition at the beginning and at the end of the course, using the Cognitive Therapy Scale (CTS). We assessed patients' symptoms weekly, using the Beck Depression Inventory, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and the Clinical Global Impression scale. RESULTS A total of 34 participants enrolled in three 10-session courses. Most participants submitted audiotapes for rating at the beginning and end of the course, and most submitted patient symptom information. CONCLUSIONS This course shows promise as an effective way to teach complex skills in CBT to mental health providers. In limited samples, the course showed clear improvement in therapist adherence to CBT and in patients' clinical outcomes. Future research is required to validate the potential benefit of this CME intervention for mental health practitioners treating patients with mood and anxiety disorders.