Abbreviating Mindfulness-Based Therapy for Depressive and Anxious Symptoms

Symptoms of depression and anxiety are extremely prevalent in the population. Unfortunately, patients often face barriers to accessing mental health care, particularly psychotherapeutic interventions, including long wait-times and demanding therapeutic protocols. For instance, Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBT) has demonstrated effectiveness at decreasing symptoms of depression and anxiety, and improving wellbeing; however, 'traditional' MBT can demand over 30 hours of clinical time, and 50-60 hours of homework, all of which can be barriers to care. The goal of this project is to test the effectiveness of an Abbreviated MBT (\<10 hours of clinical time and \<10 hours of homework) in reducing symptoms of depression/anxiety and improving wellbeing. If effective, this Abbreviated MBT could reduce barriers to accessing mental health care.