Internet–based cognitive–behavioral self help for depression

Depression is a common condition that can be treated in many different ways. Accumulating evidence suggests that self help, based on cognitive–behavioral principles, is an evidence-based treatment for mild-to-moderate depression. Self help commonly requires some form of guidance, but can still be cost effective and the results are often similar to what can be observed in face-to-face therapy. Recently, the possibility of administering cognitive–behavioral treatment via the internet has been explored. There are several advantages to using the internet, the main one being that it bridges distances and is readily available for an increasing number of people in the world. While few controlled studies have examined the effects of internet-delivered self help for depression, the results are promising for applications that involve brief therapist input. Future possible applications of internet-based self help are discussed.