How does deprexis work?

Interactive CBT:
Methodological depth through adaptive dialogue technology

deprexis® is not a static online learning program, but an adaptive intervention that utilizes the principle of "simulated empathy." Within a virtual dialogue, patients are guided through the evidence-based modules of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Rather than merely consuming content passively, users actively interact with the program. By continuously responding to individual inputs, deprexis® adjusts the therapeutic focus areas in real time, thereby creating a personalized experience that combines scientific depth with digital flexibility.

The therapeutic toolbox:
variety and individualization

deprexis is based on the methods of modern cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). In 10 to 12 interactive modules, patients are empowered to better understand their condition and actively develop coping strategies. Based on the patient's responses, the program selects the most relevant content.

An Overview of the Therapeutic Modules:

  • Psychoeducation:
    In-depth knowledge about the onset, course, and treatment of depression.
  • Behavioral Activation:
    Building pleasant activities to break the downward spiral of withdrawal and lack of drive.
  • Social Skills:
    Strengthening interaction skills and self-esteem.


  • Cognitive Restructuring:
    Identification and modification of distressing thought patterns (dysfunctional cognitions).
  • Problem-Solving Strategies: Systematic approaches to coping with stressful everyday situations.
  • Relaxation Techniques & Mindfulness:
    Learning techniques for stress regulation and the acceptance of difficult emotions.

Therapeutic Goals & Learning Outcomes

What your patients learn and practice with deprexis:

1. Cognitive Competence & Pattern Recognition

  • Understanding connections: Patients learn to identify the interplay between thoughts, feelings, and their behavior in everyday life.
  • Changing thought patterns: Targeted guidance in recognizing and restructuring distressing (dysfunctional) thought patterns and downward spirals.

2. Self-Management & Problem-Solving

  • Boosting self-efficacy: Through practical exercises, patients immediately experience that they can actively influence their mental state.
  • Solution orientation: Developing a personal problem-solving plan as well as practicing goal-oriented thinking and action.

3. Values & Basic Psychological Needs

  • Grawe's need-oriented approach: Identification and exploration of basic personal needs (e.g., for orientation, attachment, or self-esteem enhancement) to increase psychological consistency.
  • Value orientation: Developing and implementing activities that align with personal values and meaningfully enrich everyday life.

4. Clinical Stabilization & Quality of Life

  • Symptom reduction: Noticeable relief from core symptoms such as lack of drive, loss of interest, and agonizing loops of repetitive thoughts.
  • Sustainability: Developing long-term strategies for relapse prevention and for the lasting enhancement of quality of life and activity in everyday life.
Request product demo and test modules


deprexis complies with the S3 guidelines for depression

deprexis complies with the current S3 Guideline for the treatment of depression regarding the following points:

Education on Depression (Symptoms, Course, Treatment):

The guideline recommends providing structured information to patients (and, if applicable, their relatives) and utilizing evidence-based patient information/decision aids. deprexis delivers this content to provide guidance throughout the treatment process.

Psychoeducational Offers as a Supplement:


Psychoeducation aims to improve the patient's level of information, acceptance, and treatment adherence. deprexis addresses this aspect through psychoeducational dialogues and practical, everyday explanations/exercises.

Qualified Guided Self-Help (e.g., Online Programs):


For persistent mild symptoms, the guideline explicitly recommends qualified guided self-help – a standard that deprexis, as a certified online program, fully meets.



Problem-Solving Approaches (Problem-solving):


The guideline identifies problem-solving approaches as a potential intensification of care. deprexis specifically implements this through systematic, step-by-step exercises for problem clarification, goal setting, and execution.

Reasons to recommend deprexis:

  • To bridge the waiting time for a therapy slot
  • To accompany an ongoing treatment
  • als Nachsorge-Maßnahme zur Stabilisierung nach ambulanter oder stationärer Therapie

ICD-10:

  • F32.0 / F32.1 / F32.2 Depressive episode
  • F33.0 / F33.1 / F33.2 Recurrent depressive disorder

ICD-11:

  • 6A70 Depressive disorder, single episode
  • 6A71 Recurrent depressive disorder

Contraindications

  • F20 Schizophrenia
  • R45.8 Other symptoms involving mood (e.g., acute suicidality)


  • F23 Acute and transient psychotic disorders
  • F31 Bipolar affective disorder
  • F25 Schizoaffective disorders

Why is deprexis effective?
Mechanisms of action from research & clinical care

1. Core CBT Methods –
Structured and Practical

deprexis teaches and trains core CBT elements with the goal of applying skills in everyday life.

2. Individualization Instead of
"One Size Fits All"

deprexis is designed as a dialogue-based program and guides patients step by step through therapeutic content – offering multiple-choice responses, repetitions, and a pace that aligns with their individual everyday life. This allows patients to set priorities and deepen content based on their needs.

3. Independently Reviewed

As part of the "Trusted Health Apps" project, the Bertelsmann Stiftung1 commissioned an independent medical review of deprexis regarding its evidence base and medical quality. The summary of results highlights its "excellent scientific evaluation".

1Bertelsmann Stiftung. (2025). Medical review of digital health applications: Deprexis ("Trusted Health Apps" project). Gütersloh: Bertelsmann Stiftung.

4. Easy to Integrate
("Blended Care")

Studies and meta-analyses report that deprexis can also be used in combination with other forms of treatment (e.g., parallel to psychotherapy/standard care). This supports its flexible integration into daily clinical practice.1,2,3

1Berger T, Hämmerli K, Gubser N, Andersson G, Caspar F. Internet-based treatment of depression: a randomized controlled trial comparing guided with unguided self-help. Cogn Behav Ther. 2011;40(4):251-66. doi: 10.1080/16506073.2011.616531. PMID: 22060248.

2Berger T, Krieger T, Sude K, Meyer B, Maercker A. Evaluating an e-mental health program ("deprexis") as adjunctive treatment tool in psychotherapy for depression: Results of a pragmatic randomized controlled trial. J Affect Disord. 2018 Feb;227:455-462. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2017.11.021. Epub 2017 Nov 10. PMID: 29154168.

3Zwerenz R, Becker J, Knickenberg RJ, Siepmann M, Hagen K, Beutel ME. Online Self-Help as an Add-On to Inpatient Psychotherapy: Efficacy of a New Blended Treatment Approach. Psychother Psychosom. 2017;86(6):341-350. doi: 10.1159/000481177. Epub 2017 Nov 3. PMID: 29131090.

View studies

Any questions?

Here you can find frequently asked questions about deprexis and their answers.

Yes – deprexis can be prescribed for severe depressive episodes. Its efficacy within this spectrum of indications (including F32.2 and F33.2) has been successfully demonstrated in multiple clinical studies.

deprexis is not suitable for certain severe mental health conditions. These include, for example, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorders, or acute psychotic episodes.

deprexis should also not be used for bipolar disorders (characterized by severe fluctuations between depressive and manic phases), as well as for acute suicidal crises or other severe mood symptoms.

As a DiGA (digital health application), deprexis is listed in the BfArM directory and classified as a Risk Class I medical device (under the MDR).

Click here to learn more about the contraindications.

As with depression treatments in general, immediate medical or psychotherapeutic care is required in the event of suicidal risk or an acute crisis.