ABSTRACT
What is an open access treatment program? Programs that deliver CBT over the Internet can either be closed or open, with or without registration. The closed category often involves careful assessment procedures and visits to the clinic for face-to-face assessment. These treatments also tend to be guided by a clinician and are often hosted by universities or clinics. That form is covered in the upcoming chapters. In this chapter we focus on CBT programs that are open for the public, often free of charge and always unguided. In terms of content the open access CBT programs can be similar to closed programs, but there are some differences depending on if guidance is given. In order for a program to be fully open and unguided it should not be possible to
handle user information that calls for urgent management. For example, it is not feasible to collect information about suicidal ideation since that information cannot be handled in a different manner than providing automated advice on where to seek help. Therefore open access programs are often aimed at clients with less severe or urgent problems and are largely designed to prevent ill health rather than to treat clinical populations. Open access programs may be used as adjuncts to face-to-face therapies (and guided by a therapist or layperson), but that is not how they are designed. In many ways the open access CBT programs are what many people would expect from the Internet. Easily accessible, low cost and without any requirements from the user or the provider. They are however intended to work in the same manner as standard CBT. Open access programs often include the main treatment components of CBT. An example of what can be included in an unguided program is presented in Figure 5.1.
