Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders at Boston University

The Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders (CARD) at Boston University is a nationally and internationally recognized center for research and treatment of anxiety, mood, and related emotional disorders. CARD combines cutting-edge scientific research with high-quality mental health care. At CARD, licensed clinicians and supervised trainees provide psychological assessment and therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. Services are provided on a sliding-scale basis, ensuring that people from a wide range of backgrounds can access care. Patients seen at CARD vary in age, life experience, and the types and severity of emotional challenges they face.

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CARD also conducts ongoing research to improve how emotional difficulties are understood and treated. This work, led by Todd Farchione, Ph.D., focuses on developing and disseminating treatments to help individuals with a range of emotional difficulties. A major area of this research is the Unified Protocol, a therapy approach designed to address common emotional processes that contribute to anxiety and depression. More recent work has focused on digital versions of this program and on strategies to enhance positive emotions, resilience, and overall well-being.

 

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This study examines a digital mental health program, the Unified Protocol Plus (iUP+). The program is designed to help people reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression while also strengthening positive emotions and healthy coping skills.

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Adults receiving care in publicly funded primary care clinics in Dublin, Ireland will take part in the study. Participants will complete the online treatment at their own pace and receive support from trained coaches via secure messaging rather than through live sessions.

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The study will examine the effectiveness of iUP+ in a real-world healthcare setting and whether it is effective across different healthcare systems. In addition to reducing distress, the program aims to help participants build positive skills and qualities such as self-control, hope, and gratitude.

 

Because digital mental health programs can reach people who may not otherwise have access to care, this research is designed to inform how effective, evidence-based treatments can be delivered more broadly and sustainably. Overall, this study aims to improve access to effective mental health care while also helping people build emotional health and well-being.