There are two modalities for delivering Internet CBT to kids: psychoeducation and games. Both have been trialed. And the pooled data suggest that they efficacious.

The aim of this study was to review the existing literature on game-based digital interventions for depression systematically and examine their effectiveness through a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Database searching was conducted using specific search terms and inclusion criteria. A standard meta-analysis was also conducted of available RCT studies with a random effects model. The standard mean difference (Cohen’s d) was used to calculate the effect size of each study. Nineteen studies were included in the review, and 10 RCTs (eight studies) were included in the meta-analysis. Four types of game interventions-psycho-education and training, virtual reality exposure therapy, exercising, and entertainment-were identified, with various types of support delivered and populations targeted. The meta-analysis revealed a moderate effect size of the game interventions for depression therapy at posttreatment (d=-0.47 [95% CI -0.69 to -0.24]). A subgroup analysis showed that interventions based on psycho-education and training had a smaller effect than those based on the other forms, and that self-help interventions yielded better outcomes than supported interventions. A higher effect was achieved when a waiting list was used as the control. The review and meta-analysis support the effectiveness of game-based digital interventions for depression.

The local version of this is SPARX, which (like all such programs) has to be continually revised so that it appears relevant and current to a generation that considers itself the PC Master Race.

Fair warning: the video uses the current PC New Zealand accent.

I’m a fan of internet based therapies. Even if they are flawed. Because they are available, accessible, and do not involve people seeing me, and the stigma associated with being a patient of mental health.

The irony is that most of this work is done either in NZ or Australia. We are small countries, with large distances. We do not have much money. But we can think.
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Disclosure: this paper was found when doing a peer review.