Emotion Regulation Training Via Telehealth During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Open Trial of Emotion Regulation Training Via Telehealth for Distressed Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

This study is an open trial designed specifically to address the need for evidence-based treatment delivered via telehealth to individuals that are currently struggling with mental health issues during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the overarching goal of helping residents of New York adversely impacted by the pandemic to effectively manage their anxiety, stress, and depression during this unprecedented time in human history.

The present study is evaluating whether this ERT treatment program delivered via telehealth demonstrates efficacy in: 1) reducing symptoms of psychological distress (e.g., anxiety, depression, worry, rumination); 2) improving outcomes specific to the ERT mechanism-based model (e.g., attentional control, decentering, reappraisal); 3) improving quality of life and functioning, for adults aged 18-65 years old.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged 18-65 years during the time of participation
• Endorses distress and worry/rumination exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic
• Access to a mobile device (e.g., smartphone, personal computer, laptop, tablet) connected to the Internet

Exclusion Criteria:

• Active suicidal intent
• Current substance dependence disorder (within the past year)
• Current or past psychotic disorder, Bipolar-I disorder, or dementia
• Primary DSM-5 diagnosis of borderline or narcissistic personality disorder
• Currently receiving any other form of psychosocial treatment