Effectiveness of Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (iCBT) in Treating Depression: A Meta-Analysis Study

Abstract

Depression is a major mental health concern worldwide and requires effective, accessible, and scalable interventions. Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) has emerged as a promising alternative to face-to-face therapy, particularly in overcoming barriers related to access, cost, and stigma. However, evidence regarding its effectiveness remains heterogeneous across individual studies. This study aimed to synthesize the available evidence on the effectiveness of iCBT in reducing depressive symptoms in adults and to examine whether expert assistance influences treatment outcomes. A meta-analysis was conducted using studies identified through a structured literature search with predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Eight eligible studies were included in the analysis. Because heterogeneity was identified across studies, the pooled effect was estimated using a random-effects model. The results indicate that iCBT has a statistically significant beneficial effect on reducing depressive symptoms, as reflected by a negative standardized mean difference and a confidence interval indicating significance. Subgroup analysis further showed no statistically significant difference between guided iCBT and self-directed iCBT. In addition, Egger’s test did not indicate significant publication bias. Overall, these findings suggest that iCBT is an effective intervention for depression in adults and may represent a flexible treatment option across different delivery formats.