A one-arm pilot trial of a telehealth CBT-based group intervention targeting transdiagnostic risk for emotional distress
PMCID: PMC12176177
PMID: 40531853
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303131
Journal: PloS one
Publication Date: 2025-6-18
Authors: Flynt S, Cho GY, Koscinski B, Accorso C, Knapp A, et al.
Key Points
- Telehealth-delivered modular CBT intervention shows potential for addressing transdiagnostic mental health risk factors
- 85% participant retention rate and high intervention satisfaction (average rating 4.23/5)
- Modular treatment approach offers flexible, personalized mental health intervention strategy
Summary
This pilot feasibility study explored Coping Crew, a telehealth-delivered transdiagnostic group cognitive-behavioral intervention targeting key mental health risk factors during the COVID-19 pandemic: anxiety sensitivity, intolerance of uncertainty, and loneliness. The study employed a novel modular approach with a supplementary mobile app, designed to expand mental health treatment access and address transdiagnostic emotional distress symptoms among young adults.
The intervention demonstrated promising feasibility and acceptability, with 85% participant retention and high intervention satisfaction rates. Participants strongly agreed (M = 4.63, SD = 0.62) they would recommend the approach to others experiencing loneliness and anxiety/stress. While mobile app engagement was mixed—with only 35% completing 80% of surveys—94% of participants completed at least one daily survey, suggesting potential for digital mental health interventions with refined engagement strategies.