Children’s Nonprofit Employs Computer-Based Program to Help Adult Caregivers With Depression and Anxiety

CAMPBELL, Calif.--()--EMQ FamiliesFirst has initiated a pilot program to offer the high-tech depression and anxiety treatment program, Beating the Blues, to caregivers of children served by the agency’s behavioral health programs. Beating the Blues, developed by U2 Interactive, has a proven track record of treating mild to moderate depression and anxiety in adults. This is the first time it is being offered by a child-serving agency to caregivers. EMQ FamiliesFirst is the largest children’s services agency in California. http://www.emqff.org/

Beating the Blues is an easy-to-use, self-help computer program that employs the tools of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in self-guided sessions. The program is scientifically proven to be as effective as face-to-face treatment, and it empowers participants to take an active role in their wellness. It has also been shown to help prevent recurrences of depression and anxiety.

“Most of the caregivers we see are stressed, anxious or depressed. This is hard on both them and their children,” said Mark Edelstein MD, Medical Director of EMQ FamiliesFirst. “Making Beating the Blues available to caregivers will make a real difference for everyone in the family.”

EMQ FamiliesFirst is currently piloting Beating the Blues in Sacramento, where participants – including parents, grandparents and foster parents – are giving it positive reviews. The agency will evaluate its impact not only on caregivers’ well-being but on the effectiveness of their parenting and the well-being of their children.

“This is a significant new partnership for U2 Interactive and potentially opens up a new application for Beating the Blues,” said John Smith, chief operating officer at U2 Interactive. “Maintaining the health and wellbeing of caregivers is critical to help ensure the best outcomes for their loved ones and we are thrilled that EMQFF has agreed to utilize Beating the Blues to help meet this need.”

About EMQ FamiliesFirst

EMQ FamiliesFirst takes a state-of-the-art approach to children and youth with complex behavioral health challenges: we combine research-based behavioral health services (including evidence-based therapies and psychiatric services) with a family-centered effort to identify and address the social and other needs of the family.

About U Squared Interactive

U Squared Interactive is a provider of innovative and cost effective computer based solutions for everyday health problems, lifestyle issues, and long-term conditions. Our core product ‘Beating the Blues’ is a cognitive behavioral therapy based treatment program for mild and moderate depression and anxiety. Our mission is to provide accessible, affordable and evidence-based healthcare that will revolutionize how healthcare is delivered. www.u2interactive.com

Contacts

EMQ FamiliesFirst
Kristine Austin, 408-364-4029
kaustin@emqff.org

Release Summary

EMQ FamiliesFirst has initiated a pilot program that offers U Squared Interactive's computer-based program that helps adult caregivers with depression and anxiety.

Contacts

EMQ FamiliesFirst
Kristine Austin, 408-364-4029
kaustin@emqff.org