Online group therapy program for anxiety, depression, and related problems
UpLift-X Trial 1: A Cluster Factorial Randomised Controlled Trial of Digitally-enabled Group Psychotherapy for Common Mental Disorders
NA · Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust · NCT06722781
This trial tests a new online group therapy based on the Unified Protocol, delivered by video call and a companion website, for adults on NHS waiting lists with anxiety, depression, or related problems.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 660 (estimated) |
| Ages | 17 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (other gov) |
| Locations | 2 sites (Doncaster, South Yorkshire and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06722781 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a pragmatic, multi-site, cluster factorial randomized trial run through NHS Talking Therapies services in England to test a digitally enabled group intervention called UPLift. The intervention uses the Unified Protocol delivered across eight modules via video-call groups plus a website with videos and materials. The trial randomizes aspects of module order and personalization to see whether changing sequence or matching modules to patient features affects outcomes and dropout. The protocol and full statistical analysis plan were pre-registered and the study will measure symptom change, retention, and other clinically relevant outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 17 and over who are fluent in English, have internet access and a private space, are referred to participating NHS Talking Therapies services, and are judged eligible for high‑intensity CBT with low risk of harm.
Not a fit: People under 17, those not fluent in English, lacking internet access or a confidential space, or those assessed as high risk or ineligible for high‑intensity CBT are unlikely to benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could provide faster, scalable, and more personalized online group therapy that reduces symptoms and dropouts while easing pressure on NHS waiting lists.
How similar studies have performed: Transdiagnostic treatments like the Unified Protocol and online CBT have shown benefit in prior studies, but applying personalized module ordering within online group formats is a relatively new approach with limited direct evidence.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 17 years old and over * Literate and fluent in the English language, which would enable group interactions and learning via online materials * With access to an internet-connected device (e.g., computer, phone) and confidential space * Referred to NHS-TT services * Assessed by a qualified psychological professional and deemed to be eligible for high intensity CBT (this includes low risk of harm to self or others) * Currently on waiting list for high intensity CBT and not accessing any other psychological interventions. This includes patients accessing pharmacotherapy but who are additionally seeking psychological treatment * Presenting symptoms of one or more internalizing disorders (major depressive disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, specific phobias, somatoform disorder, obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, body dysmorphic disorder, post-traumatic stress and related disorders) Exclusion Criteria: * 16 years old and under * Not able to speak or read English fluently, which would require more individualised support with interpreters * No access to internet-connected device or confidential space to engage with digital intervention * Not involved with NHS-TT services * Assessed by a qualified psychological professional and not deemed to be eligible for high intensity CBT on the basis of mental health condition and/or risk assessment (e.g., acute risk of suicide at the time of assessment) * Already accessing a high intensity psychotherapy or other forms of psychological treatment (e.g., private therapy, counselling) * Presenting with symptoms of eating disorders, substance use disorders, psychotic disorders, personality disorders, bipolar disorders identified at the time of initial assessment.
Where this trial is running
Doncaster, South Yorkshire and 1 other locations
- Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust — Doncaster, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
- Devon Partnership NHS Trust — Exeter, United Kingdom (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jaime Delgadillo, PhD — University of Sheffield
- Study coordinator: Melanie Simmonds-Buckley, PhD
- Email: melanie.simmonds-buckley@nhs.net
- Phone: +443000 212 456
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.
Conditions: Common Mental Health Problems, Anxiety, Depression Disorders, Psychological interventions, Internalizing disorders, High intensity CBT, Common mental health problems, Unified Protocol