Dissemination of CBT for Insomnia

Abstract

Dissemination of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI) is essential because this effective non-pharmacological intervention for insomnia is currently underutilized. In this chapter, we review past and recent dissemination efforts aimed at (1) increasing the ranks of qualified treatment providers and (2) increasing availability of direct-to-consumer CBTI treatment products. Specifically, we describe a model for training licensed mental health clinicians to competency in delivering CBTI that is currently underway in the VA Healthcare system and results from the evaluation of this dissemination effort. We also discuss existing direct-to-consumer treatment programs that use a variety of formats and modalities, and the emerging use of technologies to deliver and enhance CBTI. While significant progress has been made in disseminating CBTI, we highlight the need for future dissemination work, including the importance of developing cost-effective models that blend therapist-delivered treatment with direct-to-consumer modalities, and the need to create treatment guidelines, particularly as they apply to low therapist involvement and blended models of delivery.