Four new online therapies for anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including one targeting childhood anxiety supported by NIHR ARC OxTV, are now available on the NHS. These digital interventions, developed by the University of Oxford, have shown promising results in clinical trials and could significantly increase the number of patients receiving effective treatment.
Expanding Access to Mental Health Support
With one in five children and young people in England experiencing a probable mental disorder, the need for accessible, effective treatments is clear. The childhood anxiety program, developed by Prof Cathy Creswell, 'mental health across the life course' theme lead for the ARC OxTV, is an important step towards addressing this need.
Prof Creswell, Professor of Developmental Clinical Psychology and an NIHR Senior Investigator at the University of Oxford, explains: "Recent surveys indicate a rise in anxiety problems among children and young people. Our online platform, developed with crucial support from the ARC OxTV, provides practical tools with guidance and support to help address these issues from home. Parents and guardians are trained to deliver the treatment, with support from a therapist, making it a flexible and family-centred approach."
Evidence-Based Impact
Clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of these digital therapies. For the childhood anxiety program, studies have shown encouraging results, with a significant proportion of young people showing reduced anxiety symptoms after completing the treatment.
Prof Richard Hobbs, ARC OxTV Director, commented: "We're pleased to see this important mental health research, supported by the ARC, being translated into accessible digital therapies for NHS patients. Prof Creswell's work exemplifies our commitment to delivering real-world impacts that improve health outcomes across the Oxford and Thames Valley region and beyond."
Nationwide Rollout
From September 2024, these online therapies will be implemented across NHS trusts, mental health facilities, schools, and colleges. Over 20 areas have already committed to the program, including West Sussex, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Leicestershire, Manchester, North Tyneside, and London.
Dr Oliver Harrison, CEO of Koa Health, the company licensed to provide these therapies across the NHS, said: "We are excited to collaborate with the University of Oxford to bring these innovative, clinically-validated digital therapies to NHS patients across the UK. By using technology to deliver evidence-based interventions at scale, we aim to improve access to mental health care and support the NHS in providing timely, effective treatment for those who need it."
Advancing Mental Health Care
The implementation of these Oxford-developed digital therapies, particularly the ARC OxTV-supported childhood anxiety program, represents an important step towards meeting the growing demand for mental health support and improving access to evidence-based interventions.
An NHS spokesperson added: "The NHS is committed to improving access to mental health care. Where clinically appropriate and in line with NICE guidance, digital tools can play a valuable role in supporting people who need this vital care."
Find out more about ARC OxTV work being led by Prof Creswell here and the wider Online Support and Intervention for Child Anxiety work here.