The Online Therapy Unit is open and is not currently experiencing service delays related to COVID-19. For a few mental health tips related to COVID-19 click here.
8-week online course based on cognitive behaviour therapy
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Reduce your drinking and improve your wellbeing |
Free of charge |
Track how much you drink |
Private and Confidential |
Find effective coping skills |
The Alcohol Change Course was originally developed in Switzerland by Dr. Michael Schaub and his team at the Swiss Research Institute of Public Health and Addiction. It was then translated into English by a group of researchers led by Dr. Matthew Keough at the University of Manitoba. The Course has since been adapted for use by the Online Therapy Unit. Many people who have alcohol problems never seek treatment, but do have access to the Internet. This Course was designed in response to the widespread need for access to alcohol treatment.
There are several studies indicating that online cognitive behavior therapy for alcohol problems has an effect on alcohol consumption. The Online Therapy Unit is now conducting additional research on the course.
The Alcohol Change Course is made up of 12 easy to understand lessons and takes 8 weeks to complete. Lessons consist of educational materials that are accessed online. Clients are encouraged to work on various activities during the week; this often takes several hours. Throughout the course, clients receive automated emails with important reminders and prompts.
We are always conducting research in order to continually improve Online Therapy. When you sign up for Online Therapy, you will be provided with details of research we are conducting, such as research into the long term benefits of Online Therapy.
All clients in this course will complete brief questionnaires before they begin, on a weekly basis throughout, after the course is completed, and then 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after end of treatment. These questionnaires help us assess how you are doing. These questionnaires do not take very long but provide us with important information on your progress and the outcomes of Online Therapy.
The course is designed for those who have alcohol problems, are 18 years of age or older, are comfortable using and have access to the Internet. The course is not recommended if you have severe problems with drugs, mania, psychosis, or strong thoughts of suicide. If any of the above would indicate that Online Therapy is not suited to your needs, please refer to the resource page and speak with your family doctor about other service options. Please note this course is currently available to residents of Canada only.
If you have any questions about the course, please feel free to contact us.
If you are interested in participating in the Alcohol Change Course, please register below and follow the instructions.