A Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Digital Health Solution for Outpatients Seeking Support for Substance Use

Feasibility, Acceptability, and Efficacy of a Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Digital Health Solution in the CAMH Rainbow/COMPASS Service

The purpose of this study is to compare the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of a dialectical behavior therapy skills training webapp known as "Pocket Skills" in outpatients and community members seeking treatment for substance use, across those who receive immediate versus delayed access to the intervention (e.g., a waitlist control condition).

Seventy adult outpatients and community members seeking treatment for substance use from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Addictions Program will be randomized to receive immediate or delayed (1 month) access to a web-based DBT skills training intervention called Pocket Skills in addition to standard care. Participants will complete interviews and questionnaires at baseline. Following baseline, participants complete questionnaires at months 1, 2, and 3 months. Measures will assess alcohol and drug consumption, substance use disorder symptoms, and other clinical features.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. 18-65 years of age
2. Fluency in English
3. Understanding and willingness to comply with study requirements
4. Referred to Addictions Program at CAMH or seeking treatment from the community and currently waiting for psychosocial services
5. Smartphone, tablet, or computer with access to the Internet
6. Reports at least "contemplation" levels of wanting to reduce substance use
7. Use of target substance in past month
8. Alcohol or substance use disorder in the past year

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Any known practical factor that would preclude participation (e.g., extended absences)
2. Untreated or unstable severe psychiatric or medical disorder that precludes participation in the study (e.g., acute suicidality, untreated psychosis)
3. Participation in another treatment/intervention study