Improving cognitive behavioral therapy with brain stimulation

Enhancing the Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Using Non-invasive Brain Stimulation

NA · University of Manitoba · NCT05555056

This study is testing if a special brain stimulation treatment can make cognitive behavioral therapy more effective for people with depression, anxiety, and stress disorders.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Manitoba (other)
Locations1 site (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
Trial IDNCT05555056 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates whether High Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (HD-tDCS) can enhance the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for patients dealing with depression, anxiety, and stress disorders. Participants will receive repeated HD-tDCS treatments aimed at increasing brain connectivity, specifically between the left ventrolateral prefrontal cortex and posterior cingulate. The study will involve patients enrolled in various virtual mental health programs across Manitoba, including CBT and group-based treatments. The approach combines innovative brain stimulation techniques with established therapeutic practices to potentially improve mental health outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients enrolled in virtual mental health programs in Manitoba, such as CBT or group-based treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications for MRI or those not participating in virtual mental health programs may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy for patients with mental health disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using brain stimulation techniques to enhance therapeutic outcomes, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* all patients who have agreed to participate in virtual mental health treatment at health care sites throughout Manitoba. Eligible participants will be those enrolled in a range of mental health programs, including CBT, DBT, virtual hospital wards, and group-based treatment (e.g., CBTm, Managing Difficult Emotions, etc). The target population will also include providers and decision makers offering virtual mental health programs. Individuals must meet the following criteria to be eligible to participate in the study: 1) must be a patient/client enrolled in a virtual mental health program OR a provider/decision maker offering a virtual mental health program, and 2) located within Manitoba

Exclusion Criteria:

* contraindication for MRI (e.g., metallic implants and claustrophobia)

Where this trial is running

Winnipeg, Manitoba

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: Depression, Anxiety, Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic

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.