IMAGINE digital group program to prevent perinatal depression

IMAGINE: pilot trial of a digital group intervention to prevent perinatal depression

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · NIH-11289432

This pilot offers a mobile group-based cognitive behavioral program called IMAGINE to help pregnant and postpartum people lower their chance of developing depression.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SEATTLE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11289432 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

You would join a phone- or web-based group program that teaches proven cognitive-behavioral skills adapted from the Mothers and Babies course. IMAGINE was co-designed with pregnant people and healthcare providers to fit busy schedules and overcome barriers like transportation, cost, and childcare. The team will run a small pilot to see whether people can use and like the program and to gather early information on symptom changes. The program focuses on reaching people at higher risk for perinatal depression, including those with fewer resources or prior adverse experiences.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are pregnant people or those up to one year postpartum who are at elevated risk for perinatal depression and who have access to a smartphone or internet connection.

Not a fit: People without perinatal risk factors, those already receiving effective in-person therapy, or those without reliable internet access may not benefit from this digital group program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could make CBT-style prevention support easier to access and could lower rates of perinatal depression for parents and improve outcomes for their children.

How similar studies have performed: The Mothers and Babies CBT approach and some digital CBT programs have shown promise for preventing perinatal depression, though digital group delivery is still being piloted and refined.

Where this research is happening

SEATTLE, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.