UPEI’s CHBMR pilots online addictions treatment at sites across Prince Edward Island
UPEI’s Centre for Health and Biotech Management Research (CHBMR) is piloting a new web-based addictions treatment program at sites across the province. CBT4CBT is an award-winning, cognitive behavioural therapy developed by researchers at the Yale School of Medicine. It allows 24-hour-a-day online access to cognitive behavioural therapy for addictions to complement traditional treatment, including counselling. The pilot will be run and assessed by a team from CHBMR, including Dr. Michelle Patterson.
“Addictions is a dominant struggle for many youth between the ages of 18-24. Computer-based treatment is a relatively new, but incredibly promising, option for improving access and continuity to treatment programs,” said Dr. Patterson, Research Co-ordinator with CHBMR. “CBT4CBT has demonstrated excellent results in the United States and we're fortunate to be able to implement and assess this program throughout Prince Edward Island. The computer-based nature of CBT4CBT makes it accessible and applicable to youth and it is anticipated that CBT4CBT will be a valuable addition to PEI's treatment offerings.”
Cognitive behavioural therapy strives to allow patients to recognize triggers, improve coping mechanisms, and alter the behaviour that leads to substance abuse. Patients and addictions treatment personnel accept CBT4CBT, as its efficacy, durability, and cost-savings have been proven in clinical trials. Through web-based delivery, CBT4CBT can reach people even in rural areas 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Health and Wellness Minister Doug Currie commended UPEI on its leadership role in piloting this online research that can benefit Islanders. “We are seeing a growing interest among Islanders in online resources that help them deal with addictions and mental health challenges,” said Minister Currie. “Web-based education and treatment are excellent options for some people and will only become more valuable in the future. I am very pleased to see UPEI researchers taking a leadership role in this evolving area.”
The development of this treatment program for Canada was initiated in Prince Edward Island. The Centre for Health and Biotech Management seeks to further establish CBT4CBT in Canada by first validating it in relevant rural communities before expanding it to more Canadian provinces and territories.
The pilot will initially be run as a clinical trial for students at Holland College and UPEI, in addition to the Lennox Island and Abegweit First Nations communities. Half of patients seeking addictions services will receive traditional treatment from a counsellor. The other half will be treated by a counsellor and CBT4CBT, which is available 24-hours a day.
“We are very pleased to have the opportunity to have access to the CBT4CBT program available for our students as an add-on program to our regular addictions counselling,” said Donna Sutton, Director of Student Services and Administration at Holland College. “We look forward to our continued collaboration with UPEI’s Centre for Health and Biotech Management Research.”
This is the first time CBT4CBT has been offered to students at post-secondary institutions in Canada. The CHMBR will seek out new communities on the Island in which to carry out this pilot program.
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