Improving access to mindfulness therapy for pregnant individuals in underserved communities
Official title: Making Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy accessible for underserved pregnant people: Developing Center M for commercialization
Funded at Center Mom, INC. · NIH-11010491 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a smartphone app called Center M to help pregnant people, especially those who might not have easy access to support, manage feelings of sadness and anxiety during pregnancy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Center Mom, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $55,000 |
| NIH project number | 3R41MH134692-01A1S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11010491 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals, particularly those who are Black, Indigenous, or Medicaid users, who may be at higher risk for perinatal depression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those who do not have access to smartphones may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on making mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) more accessible to pregnant individuals, particularly those from underserved populations. It aims to address the significant issue of perinatal depression, which affects a notable percentage of new parents and is often overlooked in prenatal care. The project will develop a product called Center M, which adapts MBCT for delivery through a smartphone app, making it easier for pregnant individuals to receive the support they need. By enhancing screening and intervention methods, the research seeks to improve mental health outcomes during pregnancy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of perinatal depression among pregnant individuals, leading to better maternal and infant health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using mindfulness-based interventions for mental health, indicating that this approach has potential for effectiveness in this context.
Where this research is happening
-
Center Mom, INC.
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tilden, Ellen Lane — Center Mom, INC.
- Study coordinator: Tilden, Ellen Lane
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Prenatal mindfulness and inflammatory pathways to support mom and baby health
A study from Oregon Health & Science University will explore how mindfulness during pregnancy might influence inflammatory signals and improve emotional well-being for mothers and healthy development for their children.
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.