Trial finds Woebot’s digital health app matches clinician-led psychotherapy in reducing teen depression

A study conducted by Woebot Health at the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD) has shown that their digital mental health intervention, W-GenZD, a Woebot-based study app, is as effective as a clinician-led telehealth Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) skills group in reducing depressive symptoms among teenagers. 

This marks the first comparison of a digital mental health intervention to therapist-led therapy in a real-world clinical setting. 

Both groups reported similar reductions in depressive symptoms, indicating the potential for digital mental health solutions to address the ongoing adolescent mental health crisis. 

The study is in line with efforts to expand youth mental health services, with a focus on innovative approaches to support adolescents. The positive findings highlight the potential of mobile health apps in addressing the child mental health crisis.