Free Online Treatment Program for Social Anxiety
Drexel University offers a free ONLINE treatment program for adults (ages 18-65) suffering from social anxiety disorder and living in the United States.
Update: Enrollment in this study is currently closed. It is possible that we may re-open enrollment at a later date. If you would like to be contacted if/when enrollment re-opens, please email us at drexelskypestudy@gmail.com. Please put "Skype Study Waitlist" as the title, and your email address in the body.
This state of the art cognitive-behavioral treatment consists of 12 weekly hour-long sessions with a therapist. Participants are taught techniques to help cope with anxious thoughts and feelings. Participants also have the opportunity to practice these techniques and improve social skills. No medication is involved.
The therapy occurs through an online videoconferencing program called Skype, which is user-friendly and easy to learn. Participants and their therapist are be able to speak and see each other over the internet. Skype can be downloaded for free onto your computer. To participate in this treatment, you must have access to a webcam and a computer with high-speed internet access. Depending on quality of sound, you may also be required to use a headset to communicate with your therapist. Our research study cannot reimburse you for any technical equipment you decide to purchase.
Note that wireless internet connections may not be reliable enough to obtain an adequate Skype connection. Also, Skype recommends a bandwidth of 384 kbps.
View the below video of Dr. James Herbert explaining the online videoconferencing treatment program:
Update: We are currently analyzing results from our study delivering treatment through an internet-based program called Second Life. Enrollment in this study is currently closed.
View the below video of Dr. James Herbert explaining the Second Life online treatment program: