A key learning during the recent COVID period was that a significant number of consumers using MindSpot were seeking brief or ultra-low-intensity care. Some had tried apps, but were looking for evidence-based interventions as well as a professional clinical assessment. Consequently, we have developed and evaluated two ultra-brief interventions at our research clinic, the eCentreClinic. 

Single Session Treatment. We recently completed a clinical trial of therapist-guided ultra-brief treatment, involving just one lesson alongside practical guides and a consultation with a therapist. The team found that the course:  

• Resulted in significant improvements in anxiety and depression that were maintained up to 3-months later.  

• Most participants said the treatment was worth their time & they would recommend it to others   

A paper reporting on the trial in full is available here: https://doi.org/10.1017/S003329172300260X   

The Big 5

We recently completed two trials of interventions based on the Big 5 (previously called the Things You Do). The Big 5 refers to core actions that people can do each day to support their mental health. The first of these trials demonstrated that prompting people do to the Big 5 reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression. The second demonstrated that people who reduced how often they did the Big 5 each week experienced a deterioration in their mental health. Both trials have been submitted for peer-review, and provide promising directions for new service options.