Online cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety and depression in new and expecting parents
Optimizing Therapist-guided Internet-delivered Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for New and Expecting Parents
This 8-week online program tests whether a guided internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy course (WCNEP) helps birthing and non-birthing parents reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Regina Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Regina, Saskatchewan) |
| Trial ID | NCT06881693 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The Wellbeing Course for New and Expecting Parents (WCNEP) is an 8-week transdiagnostic internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy program offered through the Online Therapy Unit in Saskatchewan. Participants review structured course materials online and complete regular questionnaires to track changes in symptoms, uptake, and acceptability in routine care. The program expands prior OTU offerings that successfully treated postnatal depression and anxiety by including both birthing and non-birthing parents across the perinatal period. The study measures feasibility, perceptions, and symptom change over time within a real-world online clinic setting.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking birthing or non-birthing parents who are expecting or have become guardians of an infant in the past 24 months, are aged 18 or older (16 if treated as a mature minor in Saskatchewan), report difficulties with depression and/or anxiety, and are willing to learn self-management skills online.
Not a fit: People with current severe psychiatric or medical conditions requiring immediate treatment, those living outside Saskatchewan, or those unable to read English are unlikely to benefit from this online program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could increase access to effective, low-barrier treatment and reduce depression and anxiety symptoms for perinatal parents.
How similar studies have performed: Previous OTU trials such as Maternal Depression Online and the Wellbeing Course for New Moms showed positive results for postnatal depression and anxiety, and this program adapts those successful approaches to a broader perinatal population.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Become the guardian of an infant in the last 24 month by birth or adoption/fostering or are expecting the birth of an infant as a birthing parent or partner; * Self-reported difficulty with depression and/or anxiety; * Are aged 18 years or older; or 16 if participant meets criteria to be treated as a mature minor based on Saskatchewan legislation; * Willingness to learn information and skills to self-manage mental health difficulties, consent to course and associated research. Exclusion Criteria: * Current severe medical or psychiatric condition that requires immediate treatment (e.g. current mania or psychosis, actively suicidal or unable to keep themselves safe, medical condition requiring immediate surgery or other invasive treatment); * Living outside of Saskatchewan; * Unable to read and understand English. (All content is provided in English and staff is English speaking; it is cost prohibitive at this time to provide the complete service in languages other than English).
Where this trial is running
Regina, Saskatchewan
- Online Therapy Unit — Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Heather Hadjistavropoulos, PhD — University of Regina
- Study coordinator: Marcie Nugent, MSW
- Email: marcie.nugent@uregina.ca
- Phone: 306-337-2946
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.