Oxford experts have developed online therapies to support anxiety and PTSD across all age groups, addressing urgent mental health care needs. These clinically validated programs are now available through a partnership with Koa Health, aiming to enhance NHS services and reduce treatment barriers.
goodnewsfromstudent.com – With the increasing demand for mental health treatments for children, adolescents, and adults, the need for innovative solutions is more pressing than ever. Despite the UK government’s commitment to allocate 8.9% of NHS funding to mental health, the time required to build new facilities and train staff means that traditional methods alone are insufficient.
In response, experts at the University of Oxford’s Experimental Psychology and Psychiatry Departments have developed a suite of online therapies. These therapies, clinically validated through rigorous trials, offer support for anxiety disorders and other mental health conditions across all age groups. Patients can work through online modules with brief therapist support via phone or video calls and messages.
The University of Oxford team’s randomized clinical trials have shown the effectiveness of these online platforms, leading to a partnership with Koa Health. This collaboration aims to implement these therapies in various NHS services, starting in West Sussex, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Leicestershire, Bradford, North Tyneside, and London.
Dr. Simon Warner, Head of Licensing & Ventures at Oxford University Innovation, highlights the significance of these therapies, stating, “These four mental health digital therapies are a fantastic example of the world-class expertise within the University of Oxford. They are now readily available to help change the lives of people suffering from mental health conditions.”
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended nine online therapies for NHS use, four of which were developed by the University of Oxford team with funding from Wellcome and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). These therapies are set to be widely available across NHS Trusts, mental health facilities, schools, and colleges.
Statistics reveal that one in five children and young people in England aged 8 to 25 have a probable mental disorder, and one in four adults in England experience at least one diagnosable mental health problem annually.
Professor Cathy Creswell, whose team developed the childhood anxiety programme, points out, “Recent surveys suggest ongoing increases in the number of children and young people experiencing anxiety problems. Our online platforms provide practical tools with guidance and support to help tackle issues from home.”
Professor David Clark, who developed the social anxiety disorder programme, adds, “Social anxiety disorder starts in childhood and is remarkably persistent without treatment. Internet programmes delivering optimal treatment for both adolescents and adults can transform lives.”
The Oxford team, in collaboration with Koa Health and Oxford University Innovation, is committed to maximizing the adoption of these therapies across NHS Trusts and schools over the next year. Oliver Harrison, CEO of Koa Health, emphasizes the broader implications, stating, “These programmes can lower barriers to care, deliver excellent outcomes, and reduce costs to health services. We see great potential to expand these programmes worldwide.”
Local NHS leaders, such as Dr. John Pimm and Dr. Jon Wheatley, are optimistic about the integration of digital technology into mental health services, highlighting the potential for enhanced patient engagement and empowerment.
Professor Miranda Wolpert, Director of Mental Health at Wellcome, concludes, “These important online therapies have arisen from more than three decades of thorough science. Digital therapies have the potential to transform millions of lives globally, and we look forward to supporting more digital innovation in the years to come.”
