Application of the Cognitive-Behavior Therapy principles in the development of e-mental health tools

The case of Be a Mom, a web-based psychological intervention to prevent postpartum depression

Abstract

E-mental health tools are a new format of treatment delivery that can increase population’s access to mental health services. Its effectiveness is higher when grounded on evidence-based therapeutic protocols, such as Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT). We aim to understand how CBT principles can be applied in the development of e-mental health tools, more specifically, in web-based interventions. We use the case example of the Be a Mom program, a web-based psychological intervention, grounded on the principles of CBT, designed to prevent postpartum depression and targeting high-risk postpartum women in the Portuguese population. We describe how the design of Be a Mom was grounded in CBT, by addressing: a) general CBT principles; b) its therapeutic mechanisms; and c) organization of sessions. Also, we discuss the relevance of the therapeutic alliance in web-based interventions and the importance of evidence-based interventions. By providing insight on how the principles of CBT can be operationalized in an innovative delivery format, we can contribute to the further development of web-based interventions, as well as to increase awareness and knowledge among mental health professionals about the similarities between the principles underlying web-based and face-to-face CBT interventions.