RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Depression and Anxiety in Perinatal Parents

New and expecting parents sometimes feel anxious or down, which can be tough for them and their families. This study is testing an 8-week online course called the Wellbeing Course for New and Expecting Parents. This course uses a type of therapy called Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), delivered over the internet, to help parents manage these feelings. The research aims to see how many parents use the course, what they think of it, and if it genuinely helps reduce anxiety and depression. It's designed for both mums and dads (or other non-birthing parents) during pregnancy and after birth. Participants will complete online materials and answer questions over 8 weeks to track their progress.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Regina

Enrolment target

Start

24 Feb 2025

Estimated completion

30 Jun 2026

Anxiety Depression

What is this study about?

Becoming a parent or expecting a baby is a huge life change, and it's quite common for new and expecting parents to experience feelings of anxiety or depression. These feelings can be really challenging and might affect not just the parent, but also their baby, their relationships, and their overall well-being. However, many parents find it hard to get help, perhaps due to feeling ashamed, not recognising the symptoms, or simply not knowing where to find suitable support.

This study is looking at a new online course designed to help with these difficulties. It's called the Wellbeing Course for New and Expecting Parents (WCNEP). This course uses a well-known talking therapy called Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), but it's delivered entirely online, making it easier to access from home. The researchers want to see if this online course is effective in helping parents feel better and reduce their symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Over 8 weeks, participants will work through online materials. The course has been carefully put together to help both mums and dads (or other non-birthing parents) during pregnancy and after their baby's arrival. The study aims to understand how useful parents find the course, if it's simple to use, and whether it really makes a difference to their emotional well-being.

Key takeaways

An online course for anxiety and depression in new and expecting parents.
Uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) over 8 weeks.
Aims to help both mums and dads/partners feel better.
Everything is delivered online, no clinic visits needed.
Your feedback helps improve support for other parents.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to join this study if you've recently become a parent (within the last 2 years, either by birth, adoption, or fostering) or if you're currently expecting a baby. This includes both the birthing parent and their partner.

It's important that you are also struggling with feelings of depression or anxiety. You need to be at least 18 years old, or 16 if local laws in Saskatchewan, Canada, allow you to make your own medical decisions. You should also be willing to learn new ways to manage your mental health and agree to take part in the course and the research.

However, you cannot take part if you have a serious medical or mental health condition that needs urgent treatment, such as a severe mental illness or immediate thoughts of harming yourself. You also need to be able to read and understand English, as all the course materials and staff communication are in English. This study is specifically for residents of Saskatchewan, Canada.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you pregnant or have you become a parent in the last 2 years (by birth, adoption, or fostering)?
Are you experiencing feelings of anxiety or depression?
Are you 18 years old or older (or 16 if allowed in Saskatchewan, Canada)?
Are you willing to learn skills to help manage your mental health?
Can you read and understand English?
Do you live in Saskatchewan, Canada?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you will take part in an 8-week online program called the Wellbeing Course for New and Expecting Parents. Each week, you'll review course materials online. There are no in-person visits required; everything happens through a website.

Throughout the 8 weeks, you will be asked to complete questionnaires online. These questions are designed to help the researchers understand how you're feeling and if the course is helping to reduce your anxiety and depression. There is no medication involved in this study. The total duration of your active participation will be 8 weeks, during which you will engage with the course content and complete the questionnaires.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer potential benefits, such as learning new skills to manage anxiety and depression, which could help improve your overall well-being during a challenging time. It also provides access to a structured online therapy program. As with any program that addresses mental health, there might be times when discussing certain topics could feel a bit uncomfortable or bring up difficult emotions; however, the course is designed to be supportive. You are free to stop taking part in the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care outside of the study.

Locations (1)

Online Therapy Unit
Verified postcode
Regina, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What kind of therapy is this?

It's called Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), delivered online. CBT helps you understand and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours.

How long does the study last?

The online course and study participation last for 8 weeks.

Do I have to go to a clinic?

No, the entire course and study take place online, so you can do it from home.

Is this only for mums?

No, it's for both birthing parents (mums) and non-birthing parents (like dads or partners) who are expecting or have a new baby.

What if I feel worse?

The course is designed to be supportive, but if you feel worse, you should always speak to your doctor or a mental health professional outside of the study.

How to find out more

Marcie Nugent, MSW

marcie.nugent@uregina.ca 306-337-2946 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.