Canadian contributions to cognitive behavioural therapy for depression.

Abstract

This article reviews and discusses the major contributions made by Canadian psychologists to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for depression. Canadian psychologists have had a long history in the development and evaluation of treatments for depression, and have contributed in many respects to the evidence base in these domains. This article specifically addresses the scientific, theoretical, and practice contributions in CBT for depression, and reviews prominent efficacy trials and meta-analyses based on this model. Innovations such as the development and evaluation of behavioral activation and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and specific applications are discussed. Canadian psychologists have further conducted a large number of studies that examine the moderators and mediators of treatment outcomes, to understand the mechanisms by which these evidence-based therapies may work and who may benefit the most from them. The article ends with a discussion of potential future areas for the ongoing contribution of Canadian psychologists to the treatment of depression. These include the deployment of stepped care models, as well as standards for education and training both for psychologists and other allied health professionals, and international training and dissemination. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

Impact Statement: Public Significance Statement—Canadian psychologists meaningfully shaped the development and evaluation of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for depression. Numerous psychologists have played a key role in the development of behavioral activation and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, as well as online interventions based on CBT and other adaptations of CBT to support vulnerable groups. Canadian psychologists have also conducted key research in not only how CBT works but also who is most likely to benefit from it, which will support increased access to this well-established treatment. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)