Using online therapy to help college students with mental health issues in Latin America
Official title: Computerized detection and internet-based treatment of common mental disorders among college students in two Latin American LMICs
Funded at National Institute of Psychiatry · NIH-10891384 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help college students in Colombia and Mexico who are dealing with depression and anxiety by offering them online therapy, so they can get support right away while waiting for traditional services.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | National Institute of Psychiatry NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico) |
| Project start | July 1, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $326,666 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH120648-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10891384 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are college students in Colombia and Mexico who are experiencing symptoms of major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not enrolled in college or who do not have access to the internet may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to identify and treat college students in Colombia and Mexico who are experiencing major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder through internet-based cognitive behavior therapy (e-CBT). Students will complete self-report surveys online to detect their mental health needs, and those on waitlists for traditional clinic services will have the opportunity to receive immediate e-CBT support. The study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of this low-cost intervention in improving mental health outcomes among students in low- and middle-income countries. The project also focuses on knowledge transfer to local institutions to enhance mental health services across Latin America.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide accessible and effective mental health treatment options for college students in Latin America.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that e-CBT is effective in treating mental health disorders in high-income countries, suggesting potential success in similar low-resource settings.
Where this research is happening
-
National Institute of Psychiatry
Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Benjet, Corina L. — National Institute of Psychiatry
- Study coordinator: Benjet, Corina L.
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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.