Experiences using an online therapist-guided psychotherapy platform (OPTT) in correctional workers with depression, anxiety, and PTSD

Elnaz Moghimi; Gilmar Gutierrez; Callum Stephenson; Tessa Gizzarelli; Jasleen Jagayat; Christina Holmes; Charmy Patel; Mohsen Omrani; Alexander Ian Frederic Simpson; Nazanin Alavi

doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1365746

Experiences using an online therapist-guided psychotherapy platform (OPTT) in correctional workers with depression, anxiety, and PTSD

Front Psychiatry. 2024 Apr 23:15:1365746. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1365746. eCollection 2024.

Authors

Elnaz Moghimi^{1

2}, Gilmar Gutierrez¹, Callum Stephenson¹, Tessa Gizzarelli¹, Jasleen Jagayat^{1

3}, Christina Holmes¹, Charmy Patel¹, Mohsen Omrani^{1

4}, Alexander Ian Frederic Simpson⁵, Nazanin Alavi^{1

3

4}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
² Waypoint Research Institute, Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, Penetanguishene, ON, Canada.
³ Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
⁴ OPTT Inc., Toronto, ON, Canada.
⁵ Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.

Abstract

Introduction: Correctional workers (CWs) are frequently exposed to potentially traumatic events in the workplace, leading to an increased prevalence of mental health concerns. Online psychotherapy can address many of the barriers CWs face when seeking adequate mental health care. Despite their benefits, CWs' experience using digital mental health interventions is relatively unknown. This information could be valuable in developing enhanced care delivery to improve recruitment, retention, satisfaction, and treatment outcomes.

Methods: This study investigated the experiences of a sample of CWs enrolled in a clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of the Online Psychotherapy Tool (OPTT) in this population. Participants were surveyed and interviewed to capture their opinions and feedback on the program. Survey analysis was conducted through Qualtrics statistical analysis software. The interview transcripts and open-ended survey questions were analyzed using thematic analysis methods in NVivo.

Results: Participants (n=14) were cis-gender, predominantly white, with an average age of 38 years. While most respondents preferred in-person therapy, they also reported the benefits of the online psychotherapy program. Specifically, they expressed positive perceptions of the platform, the quality and interaction of their care provider, and the homework assignments and skills learned. Lack of motivation to complete weekly homework assignments was a frequently cited challenge. Unhelpful aspects of the therapy noted issues with the online format and frustration with certain program elements.

Discussion: Participants expressed a positive outlook on the program, the platform, and treatment outcomes. A preference for in-person therapy was still indicated, demonstrating the need to focus on engagement in digital mental health interventions. In addition, the findings of this study shed light on the factors that can influence help-seeking in this population, including stigma in the work environment, demanding work schedules, workplace perceptions, and previous experiences accessing mental health services.

Keywords: correctional workers; digital mental health interventions; internet; mental health disorders; online psychotherapy; participant experiences; public safety personnel; user experience.

Grants and funding

The author(s) declare financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. This study was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Operating Grant (File: RN410776-433679). The funding agency has no role in the writing of this paper.