Follow-up data from the CoBalT trial poses an interesting clinical question (Wiles et al, 2016). If an individual has apparently treatment-resistant depression and antidepressant ‘usual care’ appears the only option available, is there any possible benefit to providing a moderate length course of CBT alongside the medication, and if so, what are the benefits and how long do they last for? Could benefits be detected not just months, but years after the end of therapy?