Depressive and anxiety disorders are prevalent, significantly affect wellbeing of patients and contribute to increased healthcare and societal costs. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective, but requires skilled therapists that are often short in supply, resulting in long waiting lists. Internet delivered CBT (iCBT) increases treatment accessibility, while providing other benefits such as more patient empowerment, less travelling time, and more scheduling flexibility for both patients and therapists.
A blended CBT approach – which combines therapist-led sessions (either face-to-face or via videoconference) with online modules, is increasingly recognized as a practical way to integrate iCBT into routine mental healthcare.
Research has demonstrated that this approach is cost-effective from a healthcare perspective. Despite its potential, the adoption of blended CBT in mental health organizations remains limited.To address this gap, the current ZonMw funded, two-year implementation study (Dec. 2025-Dec 2027), will be conducted in collaboration with three organizations for mental health care; GGZ inGeest and Arkin in the Amsterdam region and Emergis in Zeeland.
The aim is to increase the use of blended treatment protocols for anxiety and depressive disorders among both patients and therapists in these organizations. The study will involve close collaboration with all relevant stakeholders, in order to develop and test a detailed implementation plan.
Finally, we will deliver a guideline for implementing blended CBT for anxiety and depression within mental health organizations that can be used by other organizations, both in the Netherlands and internationally.