Welcome to ACTION!
ACTION is a new 8 week online program for depression, which we are currently trialing in a research study.
ACTION is based on a treatment model for depression called Behavioural Activation which involves learning approaches to increase the time you spend in positive activities.
ACTION has been developed by psychologists and researchers from the National eTherapy Centre, as part of the service delivery of Mental Health Online, a digital mental health service that provides online programs for mental health conditions.
Mental Health Online is currently conducting a research study to find out about people's experiences of the ACTION program and how it benefits symptoms of depression.
What to expect
ACTION has 5 online modules including videos and interactive activities that you can explore in your own time over 8 weeks. The program is designed to help you understand how you spend your time and find meaningful activities that may boost your mood. In the ACTION videos, you will hear from people with experiences of depression about what strategies they use to get the most out of making changes to their mental health.
You will be supported by a therapist during the ACTION program who will contact you once a week via email. Your therapist will be a provisional psychologist under supervision at Mental Health Online. The ACTION program will take approximately 1 -2 hours per week over 8 weeks.
Watch Neil and Claire talk about making change with the ACTION program
What does the research involve?
If you would like to take part in this research study you will be asked to provide your contact details and the details of your General Practitioner (GP).
You will then complete an eligibility interview via phone where you will be asked questions about your symptoms of depression. It will take about 30 minutes.
If eligible, you will be able to participate in the ACTION program and asked to complete some online questionnaires across four time points throughout your participation. These questionnaires will take approximately 10 - 15 minutes to complete and you will receive an eGift card for each completed questionnaire.
At the end of the ACTION program, you will be asked to participate in an interview about your experience of the ACTION program. This interview will take place on video-conferencing software, with an option to turn off your video if preferred.
Am I eligible to participate?
To be eligible to participate in this research study you must:
- be 18 years of age or over,
- reside in Australia,
- have been given a diagnosis of depression from a health profession or are currently experiencing symptoms of depression
You will be unable to participate if you:
- are currently seeing a health professional for your mental health and engaging in psychotherapy (such as cognitive behavioural therapy)
- do not meet diagnostic criteria for depression
- are currently experiencing active suicidal ideation
If you are unsure about whether you might be eligible to participate, complete the sign-up process and a member of the research team will be in contact to assist with determining eligibility.
Before deciding whether this study is an appropriate treatment choice for you, please note that the ACTION program is not suitable for individuals in crisis, or in urgent need of support. If you are having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please contact one of the services listed here.
How to get started
To participate in the ACTION research program, read the participant information and consent form before signing up.
If you would like to talk to one of our team about if this program is right for you please contact: