Development of an Artificial Intelligence- Informed Digital Tool to Help Clinicians Practice Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis (CBTp)
Phase: NA
Conditions: Psychosis, Schizophrenia, Schizo Affective Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Depressive Disorder
Sponsor: University of Washington

 
 
 
 
 
CBTpro: Scaling up Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis Using Simulated Patients and 
Spoken Language Technologies 
 
NCT Number: NCT05127837 
Updated: 11.18.25 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Study Purpose and Objectives 
This study, conducting during Phase II of a Fast Track STTR (NIMH R42 123215), evaluates the 
effectiveness of a web-based clinician training platform that provides simulated practice and 
automated performance feedback to increase provider competency in Cognitive Behavioral 
Therapy for psychosis (CBTp). The project aims to evaluate impact of AI-enhanced training on 
client clinical and recovery outcomes.  
 
Study Design 
We conducted a randomized controlled trial (RCT) in partnership with community mental 
health agencies providing services to individuals experiencing psychosis across multiple regions 
of the United States. Stratified randomization occurred by clinic (k = 64), with a sample target of 
n = 100 community behavioral health practitioners and n = 300 clients with psychosis. We 
compared Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for psychosis (CBTp) training as usual (TAU), which 
consisted of a 3-hour SAMHSA-funded online CBTp training course, with TAU+AI-enhanced 
CBTp training (TAU+CBTpro). Research approval was obtained by the University of Washington 
Institutional Review Board and monitored by a Data Safety Monitoring Board. All participants 
provided informed consent.  
Participants. Provider participants were clinicians delivering outpatient services to adults with 
psychosis; client participants were adults receiving care from those enrolled clinicians. Client 
Inclusion: Adults who speak English, meet with their provider who is participating in the study 
at least bi-weekly (2x a month), and do not plan to leave services in the next 6 months. 
Qualifying diagnoses for clients include: schizophrenia; schizoaffective disorder; 
schizophreniform disorder; delusional disorder; other specified schizophrenia spectrum and 
other psychotic disorder; unspecified schizophrenia spectrum or other psychotic disorder; 
bipolar disorder with psychotic features; major depressive disorder with psychotic features. 
Exclusion criteria: Dx of psychosis secondary to substance intoxication. Clinics were randomized 
to one of two training conditions: CBTp training-as-usual (CBTp e-Primer) or CBTp e-Primer 
augmented with CBTpro, a web-based simulated practice and automated feedback training 
platform. Providers in both conditions continued to deliver standard outpatient services.  
Procedure. Consenting practitioners were provided with access to either the TAU or 
TAU+CBTpro trainings. Training access was provided for 3 months. Assessments were 
conducted at prior to initiating training (BL) and post-training (3M). Client participants 
completed a follow-up assessment 3 months later (6M). Client assessments included measures 

of psychosis symptoms, recovery, functioning, and working alliance with their participating 
practitioner. Practitioner assessments focused on CBTp competencies, perceived impact of 
training on their practice, and working alliance with the participating client.  
All participants were compensated for completing each of their respective batteries ($30, $40 
and $50 respectively) and practitioners received $100 at the end of their training. 
 
Statistical Analysis Plan 
Client outcomes included measures of paranoia (Revised Green Paranoia Scale (R-GPTS), 
recovery (CHOICE-Short Form) and functioning (Sheehan Disability Scale) were evaluated using 
mean changes across timepoints and between groups.  Analyses will follow an intent-to-treat 
approach.