Just a Thought: Easy to access online cognitive behavioural therapy and psychological tools
Published:
July 31, 2024
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), is an evidence-based gold standard treatment for a range of mental health challenges and conditions. It provides people with the knowledge and skills they need to improve their mental wellbeing in a way that offers longer-lasting benefits over time.
Accessing CBT in New Zealand can be difficult, with a lack of trained therapists and frequently long wait times for face-to-face therapy. Just a Thought provides people with free and immediate access to CBT, allowing people to choose to register and engage in courses independently or work alongside their healthcare provider who can prescribe courses and offer support and follow up along the way. Online CBT or eCBT delivers the same core psychological skills and knowledge as face-to-face CBT within a reliable online structured format. Evidence shows it can be just as effective!
Launched as an initiative of the Wise Group in September 2019, Just a Thought courses are based on the highly respected, evidence-based eCBT tool, This Way UP created in a collaboration between the University of New South Wales and St Vincent Hospital in Australia. Just a Thought has attracted over 32,000 registrations since launch in September 2019 and initial raw data shows 80% of people who complete a course, improve their wellbeing (based on Kessler 10 scores).
Just a Thought provides support to people right across the continuum of mental health difficulties and is easily implemented into primary and secondary care. The scope and function of the tool allows it to used as an evidence-based treatment by a range of health professionals and paraprofessionals alike.
Courses are targeted for people aged 16+, however mature young people who can relate to the stories (themed around adult lives) can also benefit. There are plans to release a course for rangatahi in the future! We have a range of specialist mental health and more generic wellbeing courses in the pipeline so register now and get in touch to see how you can begin using our digital tool within your service!
See the resource below for a quick guide to using Just A Thought courses in practice
Read Te Whariki Just a Thought presentation
Read Just a Thought Quick Guide
