JultikaUniversity of Oulu repository

Internet-based Cognitive Behavior-Therapy (CBT) programs may be a solution for the ever-growing demand of mental health treatment services. This thesis describes the usability testing process of Arjenhallinta internet-based CBT program in development. Arjenhallinta was evaluated using Cognitive Walkthrough and usability testing methods in order to find usability issues in the current version of the program. Found issues were communicated to the customer and recommendations were given to address the issues in future versions of the program. Qualitative data from user test observation and gathered feedback served as a basis for the recommendations. Arjenhallinta being both marketing website of the therapist as well as an internet-based CBT program, the most critical issues found were related to website navigation and CBT homework exercise instructions, latter which is associated with treatment outcome. Users had problems navigating from the marketing website back to the CBT program and the instructions to the CBT exercises were frequently missed and found inadequate by test participants. The usability testing activities were found feasible by the customer therapist Martti Puttonen. Identifying and addressing usability issues early contributes to the development of internet-based CBT program that is well received by its users. Positive user perception has an effect on the usage and the effectiveness of online mental health program.