iCAN – Intelligent, chatbot-assisted outpatient aftercare for depression in adolescents and young adults

iCAN is a new aftercare program for young people (13 to 25 years old) who are being treated in a clinic for depression. The iCAN program supports young patients for three months after their discharge, helping them readjust to everyday life. The iCAN program consists of two components:

(1) The iCAN app offers helpful psychotherapeutic training sessions. A chatbot—a special computer program that allows users to chat—helps them stay on track. The built-in navigator also helps users find suitable outpatient therapies (psychotherapy/psychiatry) and support groups near the clinic.

(2) Telephone consultations: Psychologists are available in weekly phone calls to listen to any concerns that may remain after discharge. They also help young people find appropriate support after their stay in the clinic.

Following the motto "Yes, I can!" (“Yes, I can do it!”) iCAN aims to ensure a smoother transition back to one's familiar surroundings after hospitalization and to provide the appropriate support more quickly.

On the following pages, we will give you an overview of our project.

Contact: 

iCAN Project G-BA Innovation Fund
University of Greifswald
Chair of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy
Franz-Mehring-Str. 47
17489 Greifswald

For questions about the study (for patients):

Phone: +49 3834 420 3726
Email: ican-studie@uni-greifswald.de

For general questions about the project:

Phone: +49 3834 420 3727
Email: ican@uni-greifswald.de