An app to help prevent postpartum depression in new mothers
Official title: A novel app-based cognitive behavioral therapy intervention for preventing postpartum depression
Funded at Women and Infants Hospital-Rhode Island · NIH-10910932 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a smartphone app that offers support and therapy for new moms who might be struggling with postpartum depression, especially those who may find it hard to get help in traditional ways, so they can feel better and have the support they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Women and Infants Hospital-Rhode Island NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $179,621 |
| NIH project number | 5K23HD103961-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10910932 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are new mothers, particularly those who are low-income or women of color, who are at risk for postpartum depression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not new mothers or those who do not have risk factors for postpartum depression may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of a smartphone application designed to deliver cognitive behavioral therapy to new mothers at risk of postpartum depression (PPD). It aims to address barriers that prevent women, particularly those from low-income backgrounds or women of color, from accessing traditional mental health care. By providing long-term access to mental health support through an app, the study seeks to improve postpartum mental health outcomes. Participants will engage with the app to receive therapy and support tailored to their needs, potentially reducing the incidence of PPD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new mothers with accessible mental health support, significantly reducing the rates of postpartum depression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that in-person cognitive behavioral therapy can significantly reduce postpartum depression, suggesting that app-based interventions may also be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Women and Infants Hospital-Rhode Island
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lewkowitz, Adam Korrick — Women and Infants Hospital-Rhode Island
- Study coordinator: Lewkowitz, Adam Korrick
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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-
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-
ROSE Scale-Up: Expanding universal postpartum depression prevention for new mothers
A national effort to roll out the ROSE prevention program to all new mothers, to see if universal use can reduce postpartum depression.
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How Medicaid Postpartum Coverage and PPD Screening Could Improve Diabetes and Blood Pressure Care After Birth
A large NIH grant is studying how extending Medicaid after birth and mandating postpartum depression screening affect care for women with gestational diabetes and pregnancy-related high blood pressure.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.