Just when economic insecurity leaves you anxious, depressed, or sleepless, you may feel unable to spend money on therapy that could help. Fortunately, new research points the way to inexpensive, effective relief -- online. Programs based on approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can rapidly deliver impressive results: One Web-based program for depression and anxiety gave as much relief as typically gained with face-to-face therapy (people with serious depression may need face-to-face help). Studies also suggest that CBT works as well as pills for most sleep problems, with no side effects. Research-backed programs worth a try:
- MoodGYM blends CBT and problem-solving therapy for depression but may work for other conditions as well; free at moodgym.anu.edu.au.
- MySelfHelp has Web-based CBT programs for insomnia, depression, eating disorders, and more; a fee of $20 a month gets you all of them at myselfhelp.com.
- The Good Days Ahead DVD-ROM, written by a team of doctors, addresses depression and anxiety; $99 at mindstreet.com.
- Blues BeGone uses cartoon talking heads to deliver CBT for depression; $185 at bluesbegone.com.
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