CBTpro: Leveraging Machine Learning to Train the Workforce in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for psychosis

Recent evidence suggests that fewer than 1% of Americans who are diagnosed with a psychotic disorder have access to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for psychosis (Kopelovich, Nutting, Blank, Buckland, & Spigner, 2021: [Full article: Preliminary point prevalence of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for psychosis (CBTp) training in the U.S. and Canada (tandfonline.com)). To date, training in this intervention is notoriously difficult to access, expensive, and resource-intensive.

Led by Dr. Sarah Kopelovich (skopelov@uw.edu), the University of Washington, in partnership with small business Lyssn.io, has set out to change the mental health training game. Together, the team combines their expertise in evidence-based clinical training, CBT for psychosis, natural language processing, and user-centered design to develop, pilot, and test CBTpro.

What is CBTpro?

CBTpro is a novel Computerized Clinician Support Tool that will use cutting-edge spoken language technology to provide immediate feedback and coaching to mental health staff and trainees who wish to learn CBTp. The tool provides learners with 24/7, on-demand access to bite-sized didactics, expert demonstrations, and practice opportunities.

How does it work?

Using artificial intelligence, the tool analyzes learners responses and provides immediate performance-based feedback. Learners can decide whether to try the skill again with the same client, try the skill with a new client, or move along to another skill module. They can practice as often as they would like, when they would like, in the comfort of their own space.