Avatar-guided digital CBT for people with addiction
Official title: A Randomized Controlled Trial of A Digital, Self-Guided, Avatar Assisted- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Platform to Treat Addiction: Digital RITch®CBT vs. Standard CBT
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-11378622 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This compares an online, self-guided CBT program that uses a virtual avatar with standard CBT for people seeking help for substance use and related partner‑violence issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $501,536 |
| NIH project number | 7UG3DA057042-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11378622 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults entering substance use treatment who have a substance use disorder and who may have a history of intimate partner violence, and who are willing and able to use a smartphone or computer, are the intended participants.
✕Less likely to help
People without reliable internet or device access, those in immediate danger from active IPV needing crisis intervention, or those with unstable severe psychiatric illness are unlikely to benefit from this digital self-guided approach.
What this research studies
If you join, you will be randomly assigned to use a self-guided digital therapy platform guided by an avatar or to receive standard cognitive behavioral therapy. The digital program is designed to personalize lessons to your symptoms and includes content that addresses both substance use and intimate partner violence. Researchers will follow participants over time using surveys and clinical measures to see how well each approach helps reduce substance use and related harms. The trial is run by the University of Rochester team and combines remote digital tools with standard treatment follow-up.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a personalized, widely accessible online therapy option that lowers substance use and helps address partner‑violence issues for people who have trouble getting in-person care.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research shows digitized CBT can work for various behavioral problems and some substance use disorders, but avatar‑assisted, self‑directed platforms for co-occurring SUD and IPV are newer and less tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Easton, Caroline J. — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Easton, Caroline J.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.