Therapist-Guided Versus Self-Guided Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: A Systematic Review.

Objective: To evaluate traditional versus guided cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with the use of applications and technological innovations. Data Sources: A systematic search was conducted in the MEDLINE/PubMed, SciELO, and Cochrane Library databases and included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from inception to March 30, 2023, with no language restrictions. Only RCTs with available text were included, which is valid from the app versus traditional CBT comparison perspective. The search terms were "apps" OR "app" AND "cognitive behavior therapy" OR "self-guided cognitive behavioral therapy" OR "cognitive behavior therapy" OR "CBT" OR "self-guided CBT" OR "iCBT" OR "unguided iCBT." Study Selection: Six RCTs were included in this review. Results: The results of all the studies were positive for the use of applications and the internet, and the findings were encouraging for new methods of guided therapy and the inclusion of technology. Conclusions: There is a need for studies that assess the mental health of individuals using and supporting technology, but these findings are encouraging for the continuation of the research. Prim Care Companion CNS Disord 2024;26(2):23r03566 . Author affiliations are listed at the end of this article.