Development and initial testing of a multimedia program for computer-assisted cognitive therapy.

A multimedia program for computer-assisted psychotherapy has been developed to help patients learn cognitive therapy skills. The program is designed to provide psychoeducation, teach self-help methods, and give information to clinicians on the patient's progress in using the software. Multimedia technology is utilized to engage users in the learning process and to make the program accessible for persons who do not have computer or keyboard skills. A preliminary study with 96 subjects who used the software along with treatment as usual found that 75 (78.1%) completed the entire program. Users indicated a high rate of acceptance of this form of computer-assisted therapy, and mean scores on a measure of cognitive therapy knowledge were significantly improved.