Aim: To provide an accessible, effective and cost efficient multi-media treatment package for claimants with travel anxiety which increases accessibility to care at a reduced cost. Testimonial: This programme is very user-friendly for people with busy lifestyles. Whilst I have not met Dr Koch, he is very accessible by telephone or email and is extremely supportive. I would strongly recommend this programme. 1. Background: In the past decade, a number of computer-aided psychotherapy (CP) packages have been developed across the world most notably in the UK, Sweden, USA and Australia. The majority have been standard packages involving little or no personalised contact. None have specifically addressed travel anxiety. Following NICE’s (2006) recommendation that CP be given greater consideration for treating depression and anxiety, greater interest has been shown by the NHS in general CP options such as ‘Fear Fighter’ and ‘Beating the Blues’. This paper outlines a multi-media, computer-aided psychotherapy programme for treating travel anxiety which maximises the benefits of CP whilst minimising the disadvantages. 2. The ‘Road to Recovery’ programme The ‘Road to Recovery’ programme is a method for delivering computer aided CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) to individuals with travel anxiety and phobic avoidance. It is more readily available, more cost and time-efficient than traditional delivery models of CBT. It can be accessed from several places (home, work, library). It takes 6-8 weeks to complete. It offers an effective solution to those who want convenience, confidentiality and a greater level of control. It is individually tailored to each client and empowers them to work independently. 3. What would it involve? An efficient and effective multi-media treatment package consisting of internet–based information, email, text and telephone contact. It includes:- a. Initial assessment and package goals (from either HKA (or other expert) initial report or pre-package questionnaire) b. Clearly written information and behavioural directives c. Follow-up encouragement and further directives via email, telephone and text d. Access to HK video clip (motivation and ‘personalising’ of therapist) e. Involves ‘significant other’ eg partner f. Use of relaxation CD g. Possible access to BSM refresher lesson(s) 4. Advantages of ‘Road to Recovery:- Active Steps to relaxed travel’ a. Increased access (location, time and minimal waiting times/list) and ease of use. b. Empowers users to work at their own pace. c. 24 hour access to programme. d. Reduce risk of stigma involved with visiting a therapist. e. De-medicalises ‘change and improvement’ even further. f. Greater confidentiality and privacy g. Earlier access to care reducing chronicity and intractability. h Standardises ‘high quality of care’ with regular updating of content. h. Enhances motivation (using logical presentation and ongoing progress monitoring) 5. Minimising the perceived disadvantages of CP a. Technical resistance – reduced by making programme ‘easy to use’ (readability, step-by-step specific actions). b. Loss of individuality – availability of tailor-made responses; action plans via personalised email. c. Loss of personal contact – despite lack of face-to-face (FTF) contact, the using of email, telephone and text media is a tried and tested proxy for FTF contact by the authors of ‘The Road to Recovery’ programme and other practitioners. 6. Details of Programme a. Provision of information: (i) What is travel anxiety? (ii) What causes it? (iii) Why change? b. Change techniques: (i) Managing tension by relaxation and breathing control. (ii) Gradual re-exposure using In vitro (using imagination) and In vivo (actual practice) techniques. (iii) Changing risk perception. (iv) Recognise successes. (v) How to enjoy travel. c. Email communication: (i) Claimant problem description. (ii) Claimant goals for therapy. (iii) Initial plan for claimants. (iv) 6 x weekly progress reviews. (v) Overcoming obstacles. (vi) Final evaluation. d. Telephone and text communication: 3 x 10 minute calls and 6 x weekly texts. (i) To provide ‘personal’ element at start. (ii) To encourage efforts. (iii) To clarify/change any perceived obstacles. e. BSM refresher lessons: 2-3 refresher driving lessons (funding to be decided). f. Other support media: (i) Relaxation CD. (ii) Web-based video clip ‘How to relax in the car’ (via youtube link). g. Back home support: Involvement of partner/spouse/best friend in travel practice and encouragement. 7. Benefits a) To claimant: i. Successful outcome based on specific, focussed and highly practical intervention based on ‘high success goals’. ii. Efficient use of claimant time. b) To lawyers: 1. Ability to recommend with confidence. 2. Lower cost relative to standard therapy services.