Basics of CBT ECHO
Blended Learning Model of Training in Basics of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
NIMHANS Digital Academy | Project VKN NIMHANS ECHO
December 2021 - June 2022
What is VKN NIMHANS ECHO?
Virtual Knowledge Network (VKN) + Project ECHO works on the principle of HUB and SPOKES, a knowledge-sharing network led by an expert multidisciplinary team at NIMHANS.
The ECHO Model:
- Weekly multipoint video conferencing with community healthcare providers
- Focus: Case-based learning to disseminate best practices
- Utilizes technology to leverage scarce resources
- Web-based monitoring to measure learning outcomes
- Creates deep knowledge, new skills, and self-efficacy
How It Works
Remote healthcare providers present clinical cases and seek clarification regarding standard management from our multidisciplinary HUB team and peers who have logged in simultaneously. This "guided practice" of case management strengthens confidence and enhances skills. Patients get the best treatment in their own community without traveling to distant places.
VKN NIMHANS ECHO vs Traditional Telemedicine
❌ Traditional Telemedicine
- Focus is direct service delivery
- Usually one-to-one
- Unidirectional flow of information
- Single expert providing opinion
- The specialist manages the patient remotely
✓ VKN NIMHANS ECHO
- Focus is on education and capacity building
- One-to-many (hub and spokes)
- Multidirectional flow of knowledge
- Ongoing, based on learner's needs
- Multidisciplinary expert team providing mentoring
Background: Why CBT?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based intervention used very frequently for common mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and addiction.
Key Features of CBT:
- Tested with the most stringent criteria and manual-based framework (David et al 2018)
- Structured training approach that allows individuals to attain essential skills and knowledge
- Time-limited intervention for psychological issues
- Aims to enhance positive mental health wellbeing
- Focuses on feedbacks and correcting errors in thinking styles
- Addresses dysfunctional emotions and behaviors (Cully et al 2021)
Impact of Basics of CBT ECHO
Program Success Metrics
Through Basics of CBT ECHO, 20 accredited mental health professionals from Chhattisgarh have applied evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to over 6,900 patients with depression, anxiety, and addiction, significantly improving mental health outcomes in the community.
Program Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 6 months (December 2021 - June 2022) Total: 26 hours • 18 hours: Fortnightly TeleECHO Clinics (Real-time via Zoom) • 8 hours: Self-paced e-learning (Anytime via Moodle cloud) |
| Schedule | 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM (1.5 hours per session) |
| Target Audience | Nurses, Psychologists, Psychiatric/Medical Social Workers, Counselors Location: Chhattisgarh State |
| Method | Completely ONLINE - Blended Patient-Centric Learning • Real-time: Face-to-face Zoom video conferencing • Anytime: Self-paced e-learning (Google Classroom/eLearning app) |
| Program Fees | FREE Funded by NHM Chhattisgarh Commitment to time and participation is a must |
| Session Format | 20 minutes: Didactic by experts 1 hour: Case presentations and discussion |
Learning Objectives
On course completion, health providers should be able to:
- Identify cognitive processes and products based on the CBT model
- Identify cognitive errors, automatic thoughts, and distortions
- Apply CBT formulations for common mental health disorders
- Implement the CBT model for common mental health disorders
Accreditation Criteria
To receive the Completion Certificate, participants must fulfill ALL of the following criteria:
- Attendance: >75% participation in fortnightly sessions (9 of 12 sessions) with >70 minutes video presence per session (measured by software)
- Case Presentations: Presentation of 2 case summaries (new or follow-up cases)
- Worksheets: Mandatory submission of 4 worksheets related to CBT model
- Self-Practice Tests: Completion of self-practice tests
- Final Assignment: Score >75% (Two attempts allowed, 48 hours duration)
- Monthly Reports: Submit monthly reports of patients evaluated for mental health for 6 months
- Pre and Post Assessment: Mandatory completion on knowledge and self-efficacy
Important Notes:
- Final assignment has TWO attempts to clear (>75%)
- Assignment must be completed within 48 hours
- HIPAA compliant case intake form designed to protect patient privacy
- Within one month of last LIVE session, all submissions must be completed
Evaluation Method
| Component | Marks | Passing Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Case Presentations | 100 marks | Active participation |
| E-Assignments | 50 marks | >40 marks to pass |
| Self-Practice Tests | 30 marks | Completion required |
| Weekly Worksheets (4) | 20 marks | All submissions required |
Assignment Components:
- Multiple choice questions
- Case vignettes
- Audio and video clips related to case discussions and didactics
- 48-hour duration with two attempts allowed
14-Session Curriculum
Didactic: Mr. Kiran - Objectives of the Program | Case demo by Hub Team
Reading: Case report & Monthly report demonstration, Lesson 1 on Case Intake
Didactic: Ms. Tejdeepika | 4 Case presentations
Reading: Lesson 2 on Short History of CBT, Lesson 3 on Assumptions of CBT
1st Worksheet Opens
Didactic: Mr. Kiran | 3 Case presentations
Reading: Lesson 4 on Terminology in CBT, Thought Record worksheet submission
Didactic: Dr. Siddharth | 6 Case presentations
Reading: Lesson 5 on Modes of Assessments I, Self-practice test 1
2nd Worksheet Opens
Didactic: Dr. Siddharth | 6 Case presentations
Reading: Lesson 6 on Modes of Assessment II, Lesson 7 on ABC analysis
Didactic: Ms. Tejdeepika | 4 Case presentations
Reading: Worksheet 2 submission, Lesson 8: Video demonstration
Didactic: Mr. Kiran | 4 Case presentations
Reading: Lesson 9: Therapist Skills, Lesson 10: Goal Setting
3rd Worksheet Opens
Didactic: Ms. Shikha Ahuja | 4 Case presentations
Reading: Formulation Worksheet, Self-practice Test 2, Lesson 11 on CBT Formulation for Depression
Didactic: Mr. Kiran & Ms. Tejdeepika | 3 Case presentations
Reading: Lesson 12 on CBT formulation of GAD & Social anxiety, Lesson 13 on CBT formulation for OCD & PTSD, Lesson 14 CBT for SUD
4th Worksheet Opens
Didactic: Mr. Kiran/Ms. Tejdeepika | 3 Case presentations
Reading: Lesson 15 Behavioral Experiments - ERP, Lesson 16: Relaxation techniques
8 Case presentations
Reading: CBT Treatment Worksheet, Lesson 17 Skills Training: Social and Communication skills
Didactic: Panel Discussion | 3 Case presentations
5 Case presentations
Final Assignment (June 18)
Didactic: Panel Discussion | 3 Case presentations
Post Test (June 22)
2nd Attempt Final Assignment (June 25)
Four Key Worksheets
Throughout the program, participants complete 4 mandatory worksheets:
- Worksheet 1: Thought Record - Identifying cognitive processes and products
- Worksheet 2: Identifying Negative Automatic Thoughts (NATs) and cognitive distortions
- Worksheet 3: CBT Formulation - Applying Beck's model to depression and anxiety
- Worksheet 4: CBT Treatment - Planning and implementing behavioral interventions
Benefits
- Training through collective input of multidisciplinary team and mutual sharing of experiences
- Enhancement of confidence in diagnosing, assessing, and managing patients using CBT model
- Familiarization with "best practice" guidelines in the field
- Join a supportive network of peers
- Completion Certificate on successful completion of the blended learning module
- Join the NIMHANS Digital Academy
- Lifelong access to e-learning content
Hub Team
Clinical Experts from NIMHANS ECHO HUB:
- Mr. Kiran Kumar CTL - M.Phil, Senior Research Officer (Clinical Psychologist) - Lead Facilitator and Specialist
- Ms. Tejdeepika R - M.Sc, Psychologist - Co-facilitator
- Dr. Siddharth - Expert Faculty
- Ms. Shikha Ahuja - Expert Faculty
Support Team:
- Mr. Manjunath - Edutech Support
- Ms. Likhitha - Clinic Coordinator
Mentoring:
- Dr. Prabhat Chand - Professor of Psychiatry, Officer-in-Charge NIMHANS Digital Academy
ECHO Principles
The VKN NIMHANS ECHO model is built on four core principles:
- Use technology to leverage scarce resources (i.e., content experts)
- Share "best practices" to reduce disparities
- Use case-based learning to master complexity
- Monitor outcomes using a web-based database
Funding Support
This program is funded by National Health Mission (NHM) Chhattisgarh
The commitment to time and participation is essential for all participants.
Contact Information
NIMHANS Digital Academy
Project VKN NIMHANS ECHO
Centre for Addiction Medicine
National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences
Primary Contact for Content:
Mr. Kiran Kumar CTL - 9620953742
Building CBT Capacity in Mental Health
Empowering mental health professionals with evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy skills to effectively treat depression, anxiety, and addiction in community settings.
Over 6,900 patients have benefited from CBT interventions delivered by our 20 accredited graduates from Chhattisgarh.