JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Lyra Health’s short-term blended care therapy model, Lyra Care Therapy (LCT), has demonstrated effectiveness at scale. In LCT, clients participate in synchronous telehealth sessions and asynchronous guided practice sessions, in which they are provided with digital tools (e.g. video lessons, written exercises) to reinforce key concepts and skills. Past research on LCT found that time spent in therapy sessions and viewing digital video lessons predicts improvements in depression and anxiety symptoms.

Objective:

This study explores the client experience of LCT digital tools and aims to understand clients’ perceived benefits and challenges of using digital tools while in LCT.

Methods:

Twelve ethnically and racially diverse adults (5 male, 6 female, 1 pangender) who had graduated from LCT in the previous 4 months participated in semi-structured interviews. Interviews focused on experiences with the digital components of LCT (i.e., video lessons, symptom assessments, and written exercises). Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analytic methods to determine benefits and challenges associated with components of the LCT model.

Results:

Three primary themes were generated through thematic analysis. First, we summarize the ways in which guided practice sessions allowed clients to develop additional knowledge and learn skills related to their mental health and wellbeing. Then, we describe how the range of digital tools included in LCT present different benefits and challenges for clients. Finally, we discuss how flexibility inherent in having both synchronous and asynchronous sessions, along with the accountability from a provider, encourages clients to continue to practice skills related to their mental health and well-being.

Conclusions:

Results provide insights into the unique contributions of different components of the LCT model on therapeutic gains. While perceived time constraints and content preferences can impact engagement with digital tools, overall the digital tools were perceived as carrying significant value for participants in the LCT program.