Cost-Effectiveness of Computer-Assisted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression in Primary Care
New research led by Dr. Shehzad Ali has examined the cost-effectiveness of computer-assisted cognitive behavioral therapy (CCBT) in treating depression among adults in primary care settings. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, involved a diverse group of 175 patients with mild to moderate depression.
The findings indicate that CCBT not only improves the quality of life and treatment success for patients but does so at a relatively low cost, making it a cost-effective option. The cost-effectiveness was quantified through two key metrics: quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and treatment success rates. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for CCBT was found to be $37,295 per QALY, with an 89.4% probability of being considered cost-effective at a $50,000/QALY threshold. For each case of treatment success, the ICER was $3,623.
This study is significant because it includes patients from socioeconomically diverse backgrounds, many of whom had limited internet access and low incomes—groups often underrepresented in similar studies. As a result, the findings are particularly relevant for addressing the treatment gap in underserved populations. The article concludes that CCBT offers an effective and accessible treatment option for depression in primary care, especially for populations with limited access to traditional mental health care.
The study underscores the potential of CCBT to reduce the economic and logistical barriers to depression treatment, offering a scalable, flexible, and affordable alternative to face-to-face therapy.
Original article:
Ali S, Alemu FW, Owen J, Eells TD, Antle B, Lee JT, Wright JH. Cost-Effectiveness of Computer-Assisted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression in Primary Care. JAMA Netw Open. 2024 Nov 4;7(11):e2444599
