Waiting lists for psychotherapy and provider attitudes towards digital and non-digital low-intensity interventions (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Common mental disorders (CMDs), including depression and anxiety, are leading causes of disability worldwide. Digital mental health interventions (DMHIs), like online self-help, and other low-intensity treatments (LITs) that are not digital, such as bibliotherapy, have potential to reach many individuals by circumventing common barriers present in traditional mental health care but it is unclear how often they are used in clinical practice. OBJECTIVE The aims of the present study were to: 1) describe current practices for treatment waiting lists, 2) describe providers’ attitudes towards digital and non-digital LITs for patients on a waiting list, and 3) explore providers’ willingness to use and decisions to learn about digital and non-digital LITs. METHODS We surveyed 141 practicing mental health care providers and provided an opportunity to learn about LITs. RESULTS Most participants reported keeping a waiting list. Few participants reported currently recommending digital or non-digital LITs, though most were willing to use at least one for patients on their waiting list. Attitudes towards digital and non-digital LITs were neutral to positive. Guided digital and non-digital LITs were generally perceived to be more effective but less accessible, and unguided interventions were perceived to be less effective but more accessible. Most participants selected to access additional information on LITs, with the most popular being online self-help. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest providers are currently not recommending LITs for patients on treatment waiting lists but would be willing to recommend them. Future work should explore barriers and facilitators to implementing digital and non-digital LITs for patients on treatment waiting lists.