iCare: Free online therapy for anxiety and depression in Moldova
Individuals struggling with anxiety and depression can benefit from a free online psychotherapy program launched on a trial basis in the Republic of Moldova. Named iCare, the project is a joint initiative of Moldova State University and the West University of Timișoara.
The program is designed for Romanian speakers aged 18 and older.
It consists of eight therapy sessions, and participants undergo a psychological assessment process before the intervention begins.
"This represents the latest therapeutic approach—specifically, process-based therapy. The program consists of eight online-assisted sessions aimed at individuals with anxiety and depression," explained Galina Pravițchi, the project coordinator for the Republic of Moldova, on the Moldova 1 show Bună Dimineața.
The first stage is psychological screening, which identifies the difficulties the beneficiary is facing and determines whether they meet the participation criteria. The assessment is conducted using standardized psychological tools available on the platform.
Next, participants monitor their emotional state daily. For about two to three minutes a day, they answer a few questions about their symptoms and general well-being, and the information is used to tailor the therapeutic intervention.
"The second stage involves daily symptom monitoring; depending on progress, the therapeutic intervention is then adjusted to specifically address the issues the individual is facing," the project coordinator explained.
Unlike approaches that focus primarily on diagnosis, process-based therapy targets the mechanisms that maintain the problem and psychological distress. It analyzes, among other things, how the person thinks and manages their emotions, how they direct their attention, their relationship with themselves and others, and their own motivations.
According to the project coordinator, another major advantage is access to psychotherapy services for free, regardless of distance to a clinic or the availability of such services in the participant's local area.
"The importance of this program lies, perhaps, in the need to ensure access to psychotherapy sessions so that participants can benefit from these services free of charge. We intend to pilot the program in order to make this process-based therapy available to as many people as possible who are struggling with mental health issues," stated Galina Pravițchi. The intervention is digitally supported and monitored by a team of specialists trained in process-based therapy. Participant data is managed through a secure system that guarantees rigorous protection of personal information.
The initiators aim to make the program available to a much wider audience affected by anxiety and depression following the testing period.
