About

This platform is brought to you by Evolution Health. Our mission is to reduce stigma associated with addictions and mood and anxiety disorders, and to provide community-based access to interactive, personalized, evidence-based treatment.

The theoretical constructs behind our platform are based on guidelines in cognitive behavioral therapy, the transtheoretical model, structured relapse prevention, motivational interviewing, normative feedback, and social cognitive theory. Since the original launch of our platform in 2000, it has undergone continual technical and content-based upgrades. These upgrades are based on advances in technology, and results of arms-length research analyzing outcomes with our focus on user engagement.

Our digital health platform was first developed between 2000-5 with clinical expertise and advisement from:

  • Dr. Peter Farvolen (PhD, CPsych) Clinic Head for the Work, Stress and Health Program at the Center for Addiction & Mental Health
  • Dr. Peter Selby (MBBS, CFFP), Head Nicotine Dependence Centre, Centre for Addiction & Mental Health
  • Dr. John Cunningham (PhD), Senior Scientist at the Centre for Addiction & Mental Health
  • Dr. Martin Binks (PhD), Division of Medical Psychology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center
  • Dr. Trevor van Mierlo (MscCH, MBA, GEMBA, MScMBR, DBA), Evolution Health System's Founder

Since that time our platform has been subjected to ongoing studies by internal staff and arms-length researchers.

Peer-reviewed research studies and clinical presentations have found dose-relationships, with significant improvements in frequency of severity of anxiety symptoms, statistically significant reductions in depressive symptoms, increased quit rates, and decreased drinking patterns after users engage in just a few sessions.

Outcome metrics, development methodologies, and usability analysis have been published in peer-reviewed journals such as the Journal of Medical Internet Research, Substance Use & Misuse, Pediatric Obesity, Nicotine & Tobacco Research, Alcohol & Alcoholism, Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, Telemedicine and e-Health, BMC Public Health, Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Patient Education & Counseling, Journal of Technology and Human Services, and Network Modeling Analysis in Health Informatics and Bioinformatics.

Data and outcomes have been presented at international research conferences sponsored by the following organizations:

  • World Congress of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (WCBCT)
  • Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT)
  • Association for Advancement of Behavior Therapy (AABT)
  • Employee Assistance Trade Association (EASNA)
  • Anxiety Disorders Association of Canada (ADAC/ACTA)
  • Women and Mental Health in the Workplace
  • Association for Library and Information Science Education (ALISE)
  • Medicine 2.0
  • International Society for Research on Internet Interventions (ISRII)
  • Medicine X (Stanford University)

White-label versions of our platform, and data analytic services, are provided to our clients which include payors, providers, employee assistance programs, insurance companies, student health services, corporations, government entities, and pharmaceutical companies.

White-label programs have access to on demand metrics for their populations. Non-profit organization receive reduce licensing rates. Please contact us if you would like to learn more.

Member Comments
 
Anxiety Disorders Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Course

It is my birthday today! and I am so thankful and grateful I am alive and well, and I have hardly had any panic or anxiety attacks!!! From time to time, I do still use all the skills I have learned here. This site has been a great find for me! Today...I celebrate life!! - Bren 

I think I am just finding myself dwelling on negative thoughts and sometimes convince myself things will never change. I now realize these are the thoughts I need to work on changing and challenging.  So far, this program has provided me with some of the tools needed to deal with my anxiety and panic, I am really looking forward to progressing further into the program and seeing what it can do for me. – tidoubldgerr

Just wanted to share my exciting experience! My high school formal was last night, and I managed to make it through the night, even though I had several panic attacks. It was the most amazing night and all my friends were so excited to see me because I've missed the past six months of school but I was able to graduate because I was an accelerated student and had done enough to achieve my Overall Position and make it into university :D I was so proud of myself, and wanted to show you all as proof that anything is possible :) - Kaitie995

My kids wanted to drive to the farm to get some pumpkins, we were invited by my sister.  The kids were so thrilled, I didn't have it in me to break their hearts and say we couldn't go. The drive was an hour long. So, I did it! I braved the anxiety and started driving. At first, I was really anxious there was even a time where I wanted to stop and turn around, but I was committed to keep going. As I kept going, I fought and challenged the negative thoughts and told myself I can do this!!!! And then I did. the anxiety came off in layers...till there was no more. I was enjoying the drive again.... I felt confident and I felt FREE.  I felt different, I felt NORMAL, and happy. - Cara423

Depressive Disorder Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Course

I finished both the anxiety and depression programs and noticed a considerable improvement in my symptoms in both areas. I've had this problem off and on since childhood. I'm now in my 40's. Thank you!! – john

I am just writing to sort of update everyone on the progress that I have made since joining this site and in return I hope you will all share with me your progress. Since joining this site, I have worked through the majority of the program and also have been seeing a therapist. I since have been more active with my family, spending time with them but also being present in the moment with them. I have been sleeping better and just generally feeling a lot better. I know that I still have a long way to go...and certain days are a struggle, but I feel like I've been able to sort of climb out of a deep hole.  – Strength

Well, today I went back to work and am pleased to report I was OK! I thought I would freak out over something, but I have actually been OK. Everyone was really nice and just happy to have me back- they didn't ask any nosey questions, just asked whether I was doing better. I know it is probably not a great success, but it seems big to me.... This program has been a big help so far… - MyRevolution

I woke up and didn't feel the need to cry. I actually got out of my pajamas and got dressed. Of course, I showered first! I find that cleanliness is a must! I made myself a really healthy breakfast and ate it. Then stopped eating. (been binging lately). I spoke to my boss to arrange for when I start back up with work. I stayed calm through the whole thing. Mostly, I picked myself up and dusted myself off today. Those are small successes, but they are mine and I am proud of them. - Diva2 

Quit Smoking Digital Stages of Change Course

I find it kind of hard to believe but today it has been 2000 days since a cigarette touched my lips! I know that you probably have heard this before, but "if I can do it, anyone can" and that is the truth.  Stay strong! - Timbo637

It's almost impossible to believe that 12 years ago today I began my new life as a nonsmoker. It's truly been an epic journey and I'm so grateful to have taken the nicodemon by the horns and wrestled it to the ground with the knowledge and support I was given right here in this program. I've come a long, long way and grown a lot as a human being in the last 12 years. I've been orphaned, separated, widowed, loved and lost and found myself again, gone back to school, made a new career, made mistakes, become a grandma 3 times, celebrated life, sorrowed for those who've passed, taken trips, broken hips, had a concussion, gained/lost those smokers pounds, been lost in the joy I call the wilderness, exercised and plan to dance my way back to a healthy life as my new hip heals - all without one single puff. I couldn't have done it without the generous support of so many wonderful people here in his program Some have kept in touch and others have vanished into the nonsmoking mist, but I hope you're all sweet-smelling quitters enjoying this delicious freedom from addiction. For all those who are here actively quitting, hang in there... there really is a fulfilling, peaceful, smoke-free future waiting for you just around the corner. Honestly, if I could do it, so can you! Knowledge I learned here was the key I found that set me free from my addiction! Thank you once again everyone involved with this program. - ladycigvictor

I made it ...one-year smoke free? I never fathomed making it to this day, never mind quitting.  It wasn’t the easiest thing I've ever done, no question, but I think I was mentally done with it. I realize it is an ongoing effort, but with the support structure I have here. - shadowkins 

Hey! Still smoke-free after all this time folks. A bit heavier than when I was puffing away but I can deal with that over time (and a small price to pay for being free of that horrible addiction). Well over three years and counting. So how do I feel as a smoker who chooses not to smoke? The answer is absolutely great! There is no doubt that my 60-year-old lungs are irreparably damaged after all those years of abuse, but at least I can now walk up a hill in the Lake District without collapsing, smell and taste my food and wines and I don't smell like an ashtray. There is absolutely no downside to this apart from the fact that I have not saved any money - because I spent every last bit of the considerable amount of money that I used to set fire to - and bought myself a Porsche! Oh, and one more thing. I would not have succeeded without the support and encouragement that I received on this site over several years and a number of failed attempts to stop. Never give up and never stop trying! – Brent

Managing Drinking Structured Relapse Prevention Course

I have been quit drinking now over a year. I tried quitting for maybe 2 or 3 years, so I have learned a few things about trying to quit, then successfully quitting… This site is a great site to post thoughts and be honest. No one around me really knows I'm quit over a year. I don't want to deal with people's reactions with me quitting drinking. But here on this site, I can be honest. Thanks for all your help and support in the last year everyone! – GusA

It's one month today and I'm feeling great. I have not had much time for checking in over the last couple of weeks because I have gone back to school! It's something I have wanted to do for a very long time but until I was sober, I was stuck. The improvements in both my mental and physical health are remarkable, and I am really enjoying the challenges of new learning. I actually wake up on my own at 5:30 every day now, eager to jump into studies instead of moaning and whining about getting out of bet at 7. Today I thought it was important to take a minute to check in and to send a huge thank you to those who were my rock during those first crucial days and weeks.  You helped me through one of the biggest challenges I have faced in a very long time and words alone cannot express my gratitude. - Kayakr

I am celebrating my nine-month milestone today. I was at a wedding recently and I was asked if I would drink again.  When I replied that I didn't think so, the person asked why not. I said because I feel so much better without alcohol. Before I quit, I worried about how I could possibly manage my life without alcohol. Now, I feel so much better physically and emotionally that I cannot imagine why I would want to go back to drinking. Looking towards my one-year anniversary now. - Julie

I'm so happy to be celebrating ONE MONTH today at the Yoga Retreat!  I feel so much better in such a short time. The first two weeks were rough with craving, irritability (to put it mildly), and feelings of anxiety. I know there's a long road ahead, but I'm so glad to be heading in the right direction.  This site was so helpful in helping to get motivated with the toolbox and seeing others success.  I also really appreciate the support I received. Hope to celebrate many more milestones with you all. Thank you! - Virgo