Adapting an Effective CBT for Comorbidity to a Computer-Delivered Format

The first phase of the work (Year 1) will be to adapt the 6-session therapist-delivered VC-CBT for delivery on an internet-based computer platform. This work will be done using a standard iterative process for developing e-content in partnership with local technology experts experienced in producing engaging and effective e-learning products. Approximately 5 patients will be employed in this phase. The second phase (Years 2 and 3) will be devoted to a single arm pilot trial to test the efficacy of the refined computer-delivered VC-CBT. The investigators will recruit AUD treatment patients with co-occurring anxiety disorder to receive the computer-delivered VC-CBT (50 patients). Participants will complete follow-up assessments one and four months following treatment. Participants will rate user satisfaction and will be evaluated on skill and knowledge acquisition as well as use of the tools in the follow-up period. Success in the proposed work will serve as pilot data in support of a rigorous randomized clinical trial. The proposed work aims to provide an easy and inexpensive computer-delivered version of the VC-CBT that has comparable efficacy to the validated but resource-intensive therapist-delivered version. Achieving this will enable the VC-CBT therapy to benefit more AUD treatment patients and to be more easily studied by other investigators.