Kry has launched its new internet cognitive behavioural therapy (ICBT) – an evidence-based mobile first treatment method for mental health issues including depression, anxiety and stress. 

The new ICBT service, which is already available in Sweden, will be rolled out at scale throughout Europe in 2022. It provides immediate access to first line mental health treatment through a mobile ready experience designed to fit seamlessly into patients daily lives rather than waiting for weekly, fortnightly or monthly appointments. 

With close to one billion people now diagnosed with a mental health disorder, and Covid-19 limiting access to primary care services around the world, Kry, Europe’s leading digital healthcare provider, is on a mission to make access to mental health care more equal. 

Johannes Schildt, CEO Kry said: “We see mental health as health and everyone in Europe should have the right to access support when they need it. We have delivered over 200m patient interactions and with years of experience in providing gold standard digital mental health provision - now totalling over 300,000 appointments across Europe - we’re seeing up to a threefold increase in mental health related appointments. 

“Our mobile first ICBT programme, combined with physical care, offers a progressive approach for psychologists and patients alike. We can now enable more patients to have equal access to safe and responsive mental health treatment at scale.”

Average PHQ-9 scores for patients with depression enrolled in the new ICBT programme improved from moderately severe to mild in 8-12 weeks. These results are comparable to those seen with traditional face-to-face CBT in a large, independent UK study.

Psychologists using the service have also been able to double their capacity to help more people with efficiency increasing by 1.5x - 2x. 

Accessible via smartphone via the Kry app, anyone can book an appointment with a psychologist who will then assess and recommend whether ICBT is suitable. 

The stepwise programme which features self-help assessments and modules, chat and video contact, provides a dynamic and personalised treatment pathway enabling patients to manage symptoms when needed and have instant access to specialist support. Unlike traditional ICBT programmes which are accessed via desktop learning and can often be a barrier for patients, the mobile ICBT programme offers flexibility for patients and psychologists. 

Jesper Enander, chief psychologist, explains: “As psychologists we want to make sure that every patient receives the highest chance of improving from their mental health issues and enhancing their quality of life. 

“The science already informs us that ICBT is as effective as CBT. But the real game changer is that ICBT, through a device we have in our pockets, can literally supercharge our efforts to deliver a standardized, yet highly flexible approach for mental health, with a focus on qualitative and personalised care for our patients.”

In 2022, the programme will be further expanded with partners in Europe and will aim to support additional services. This will include insomnia treatment and parental connect programmes through to chronic disease management for hypertension, diabetes and blood pressure.