Group-based prevention of postpartum depression delivered in person or online
Official title: Group-based Prevention of Postpartum Depression: In-person vs. Virtual Delivery
Funded at University of Denver (Colorado Seminary) · NIH-11385910 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A one-stop program to help pregnant people avoid postpartum depression, tested whether virtual sessions work as well as in-person ones.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Denver (Colorado Seminary) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Denver, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $701,470 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH130976-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11385910 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Pregnant individuals receiving prenatal care who are at risk for postpartum depression and can participate in group sessions (in English or Spanish).
✕Less likely to help
People who do not have access to video conferencing or prefer other types of support may receive little or no benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests a well-established group prevention program for perinatal mental health in two formats: in-person at a hospital and virtual via video calls, with sessions offered in English and Spanish. Pregnant participants will be randomly assigned to either delivery method to see which prevents postpartum depression best. The study also looks at how the program makes an impact and which participants benefit most. The goal is a scalable, faithful version that can be used in obstetric settings to support new moms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the virtual program could reach more mothers and reduce postpartum depression rates.
How similar studies have gone: Past studies show group prevention programs can reduce postpartum depression, and this trial tests a scalable online format.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Denver (Colorado Seminary)
Denver, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rhoades, Galena — University of Denver (Colorado Seminary)
- Study coordinator: Rhoades, Galena
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Group-based postpartum depression prevention: in-person vs. virtual delivery
A large study is testing whether the ROSE group program delivered virtually to pregnant people is just as helpful as the in-person version in preventing postpartum depression.
-
Postpartum depression screening at well-child visits in Arkansas
A study examines whether adding depression screening at baby visits in Arkansas improves detection and care for new mothers.
-
Ketamine to reduce postpartum depression and pain after cesarean delivery
This grant explores a ketamine approach to help new mothers after cesarean delivery feel better sooner and with less pain.
-
Trajectories of Positive Motivation and Postpartum Depression Risk
This project studies how brain reward function and daily mood patterns before and after birth relate to the risk of postpartum depression, with a focus on mothers and babies.
-
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.
-
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.