29/05/2025
Chris English
By Cindy Mann
The criminal justice system is under quite the pressure at the moment, with overcrowded prisons, high reoffending rates and ever reducing funding. In the search for a solutions many organisations are turning to digital interventions to address offending behaviour.
CBT, or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is an approach many providers are utilising. This evidence-based approach helps individuals understand and change the thoughts and behaviours that often underpin offending. Thanks to advances in technology CBT is becoming more accessible than ever through digital delivery. CBT works by guiding people to recognise and challenge harmful thought patterns, encouraging more positive thinking and behaviour.
Technology is reshaping how CBT is delivered, from mobile apps and online modules to video calls and even virtual reality, digital tools can allow people to access support on their own terms using devices they already know and without needing to travel to appointments.
During the COVID-19 pandemic digital CBT proved its value by keeping therapeutic support going when in-person sessions weren’t possible.
What are the benefits to digital CBT? Firstly let’s look at the fact it is scalable and cost-effective, meaning more people can be supported with fewer resources. Learners can move at their own pace, often using goal-setting tools and real-time feedback to stay motivated and there are interactive features like videos, quizzes, and reflective exercises that can boost engagement.
Interestingly digital platforms allow for personalisation, practitioners can monitor progress, adapt content and offer tailored support based on service user’s answers. The shift to online interventions can come with some problems though, with many people in the justice system facing barriers to engagement such as a lack of technological know-how, not having a private place to complete their courses or even a device to access the content.
To overcome these challenges, services must be proactive in supporting individuals to engage. They could provide internet-enabled devices both in custody and the community and make sure that digital literacy is assessed and built into the start of a programme. Working with digital inclusion initiatives can help broaden access, and combining digital learning with regular check-ins (either in person or online) creates a more supportive and sustainable approach.
It’s also crucial that participants have access to safe, private environments such as probation centres or supported housing to engage meaningfully with their courses. Whilst we have mentioned some of the barriers to engagement around digital CBT, the good news is that mobile access is increasing throughout the UK. Ofcom reported around 88 million active mobile subscriptions in the UK, smartphones capable of browsing the web or accessing social media are no longer a luxury item and for most people are an essential in their everyday lives.
This opens up a huge opportunity, with thoughtful design and the right support, smartphones can act as the gateway to effective, life-changing rehabilitation tools like digital CBT. Digital CBT can and is helping transform rehabilitation across the criminal justice system in the UK. By offering digital interventions we widen the scope for behavioural change. That being said it is important to remember that online CBT based interventions aren’t a ‘solo initiative’, they should be utilised alongside other support mechanisms such as employment support, in person sessions or even family support.