E-psychotherapy program for mental health issues in cancer and palliative care patients

Developing and Implementing an Online Psychotherapy Program to Address Mental Health Challenges in Oncology and Palliative Care

NA · Queen's University · NCT04664270

This study is testing an online therapy program to see if it can help cancer and palliative care patients with depression and anxiety feel better.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 55 Years
SexAll
SponsorQueen's University (other)
Locations1 site (Kingston, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT04664270 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to develop and implement an online psychotherapy program specifically designed for patients facing mental health challenges, such as depression and anxiety, in the context of oncology and palliative care. It will recruit 60 patients who have been diagnosed with these disorders due to their medical conditions. Participants will undergo a thorough assessment by psychiatrists and will be randomly assigned to either the e-psychotherapy group, which includes online cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and problem-solving techniques, or to a treatment as usual group. The goal is to address barriers to mental health treatment in this vulnerable population through a tailored virtual care approach.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-55 diagnosed with depression or anxiety related to cancer or palliative care.

Not a fit: Patients experiencing acute psychosis, severe substance use disorders, or those currently receiving cognitive behavioral therapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve mental health outcomes for cancer and palliative care patients by providing accessible and effective psychotherapy.

How similar studies have performed: While online psychotherapy has shown effectiveness in other populations, this specific approach for oncology and palliative care patients is novel and untested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosed with depressive or anxiety disorder due to another medical condition in the context of cancer or palliative care
* competence to consent and participate
* speak and read English
* consistent and reliable access to the internet

Exclusion Criteria:

* acute hypomanic/manic episodes
* acute psychosis
* severe alcohol or substance use disorder
* active suicidal or homicidal ideation
* received CBT in the past year or are currently receiving CBT

Where this trial is running

Kingston, Ontario

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Mental Health Issue, Depression, Anxiety, Palliative Care, Oncology, Mental Health, Virtual Care, Psychotherapy

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.