Online Treatment for Maternal Depression

02/24/2013

My name is Nicky Pugh, and I am a doctoral student studying Clinical Psychology at the University of Regina. I am passionate about helping women struggling with postpartum depression as this difficulty is undertreated and impacts the mother, her infant and the family system. In Canada, as many as one in five women experience depressive symptoms following childbirth, and only 18% of those women receive treatment.

For my dissertation research I embarked on a project to improve access to convenient, accessible and effective treatment. I am offering a free online therapy called Maternal Depression Online.  The program treats women who experience depressive symptoms that occur within one year after childbirth. This project has been approved by the University of Regina, University of Saskatchewan, and RQHR Research Ethics Boards.

Maternal Depression Online teaches strategies to overcome maternal depression based on cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT). The program contains 7 modules which consist of CBT materials that are accessed online, as well as activities that are to be completed offline. With the suggested time frame, clients can complete Maternal Depression Online in a 7-10 week period from the comfort of their home. All participation is confidential.

 What is unique about this program is that it is therapist-assisted! Each client who participates in the program is assigned a master’s level therapist who provides guidance and support via email or telephone. Prior to beginning a new module, clients will be asked to send examples from the weekly exercises to their therapist through the website. The therapist will review the client’s progress and address any concerns. Clients are also encouraged to email their therapist to receive additional guidance and assistance.

 What is very exciting about the program is that it is the first of its kind! While online therapy has proved to be very effective for the treatment of general depression and a variety of other clinical disorders, this form of treatment has never been tested to treat postpartum depression. Through this research project, we will determine if this form of therapy is effective for Saskatchewan moms struggling with maternal depression.

The program has been offered for the past 6-months and preliminary findings are promising. As of now, I am able to offer the program for free until August 2013 and I am interested in reaching and helping as women many as possible.

If you or someone you know is struggling with postpartum difficulties, they are not alone. This program is available to all moms in Saskatchewan. To determine if the program is right for you, a brief telephone interview will be conducted. For more information about the program, or to schedule an interview, please contact Nicky at pugh200n@uregina.ca or (306) 585-5369 or at:  https://www.onlinetherapyuser.ca/mdo

Looking forward to hearing from you!
Nicky Pugh, M.A.