myCompass (Australia)

Description:

The myCompass program is designed to help Australian residents gain control of mild to moderate stress, anxiety and/or depression using a mobile phone and/or computer. It teaches how to monitor different signs of stress, anxiety and depression and provides  simple self-help strategies to help you manage thoughts, feelings and behviours that are causing you trouble, and  improve  psychological wellbeing. The program is based on several proven psychological treatments, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), problem solving therapy and positive psychology. myCompass features stories, facts, tips, motivational messages, self-help modules and a personal journal section. In addition to helping you monitor signs and symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression, the program also provides you with immediate feedback on changes in your thoughts, feelings and  behaviour over time in the form of graphical reports.

Service URL:

https://www.mycompass.org.au/

Agency Responsible:

Black Dog Institute.

Mobile Platform:

Other.

Details

Format:

Other. Online program available on any internet-enabled mobile

Intervention Types:

Psychological – CBT, Psychological – IPT and Psychological - Problem solving. Also positive psychology

Course Structure:

Structured Course.

Course Length:

Long (more than 5 modules).

Support Option:

Automated only. The program recommends modules that are most relevant to a user as well as providing ongoing feedback.

Target Audience

Primary Categories:

Depression, Stress and Generalised anxiety disorder.

Target Audience:

Adult. Australian residents

Language:

English.

Access

Mobile platforms:

Other:

Any Australian internet-enabled mobile

Fee:

Free. Only available to Australian residents

Access:

Open: With registration. You must register on the mycompass website https://www.mycompass.org.au/.

Contact Details:

mycompass@blackdog.org.au

Research evidence

Research Trials:

2

Research RCTs:

1

Outcome Summary:

The efficacy of the myCompass program was tested in a randomised control trial (RCT) (1) on a sample of 720 participants with mild to moderate depression, anxiety and/or stress. Participants were randomised to either the myCompass intervention, attention control (AC), or waitlist (WL) control group for the seven week trial. Compared to AC and WL participants, the myCompass participants showed significantly lower symptom levels for depression and anxiety as well as improved work and social functioning immediately following the trial. The myCompass group showed significant improvement on the stress scale compared to the WL group.

At a 12 week follow-up the myCompass participants maintained their reduced symptom levels (except for depression score). The myCompass group did not differ from the AC participants who reported a decrease in symptoms and improved social and work functioning.

The WL participants were provided the opportunity to access the myCompass program at the end of the trial period for seven weeks. Of the 228 in the original WL group, 103 completed the post-intervention survey and demonstrated significant improvements on depression, anxiety, stress and functioning scores.

An initial feasibility study examined the effectiveness of the myCompass program (2). 44 participants were given access to the program over a 6 week period. Participants symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression were all found to be significantly reduced after use of the program. Secondary outcomes of improved impairment and greater self-efficacy were also found.

Recommended rating, reviewer 1:

Recommended rating, reviewer 2:

Read more about Beacon's Smiley Rating System.

Research paper citations

Evidence evaluation studies:

1. Proudfoot, J., Clarke, J., Birch, M., Whitton, A., Parker, G., Manicavasagar, V., Harrison, V., Christensen, H., & Hadzi-Pavlovic, D. (2013). Impact of a mobile phone and web program on symptom and functional outcomes for people with mild-to-moderate depression, anxiety and stress: a randomised controlled trial. BMC Psychiatry, 13: 312.

 2. Harrison, V., Proudfoot, J., Ping Wee, P., Parker, G., Hadzi Pavlovic, D., Manicavasagar, V.  (2011) Mobile mental health: Review of the emerging field and proof of concept study.  Journal of Mental Health, 20 (6), 509-524

Additional references:

Clarke, J., Proudfoot, J., Birch, M.-R., Whitton, A., Parker, G., Manicavasagar, V., Harrison, V., Christensen, H., &Hadzi-Pavlovic, D. (2014). Effects of mental health self-efficacy on outcomes of a mobile phone and web intervention for mild-to-moderate depression, anxiety and stress: secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial. BMC Psychiatry, 14: 272.

Proudfoot, J., Parker, G., Hadzi Pavlovic, D., Manicavasagar, V., Adler, E., & Whitton, A. (2010). Community attitudes to the appropriation of mobile phones for monitoring and managing depression, anxiety, and stress. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 12(5), e64.