Preventing postpartum depression through in-person and virtual group programs
Official title: Group-based Prevention of Postpartum Depression: In-person vs. Virtual Delivery
Funded at University of Denver (Colorado Seminary) · NIH-10874697 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how well a support program for new moms can help prevent postpartum depression, comparing in-person meetings at hospitals with online video sessions, and it's especially for pregnant women from diverse backgrounds who might need extra help.
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 | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $745,213 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH130976-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10874697 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women, particularly those who identify as Hispanic/Latine, Black or African American, American Indian, or Alaska Native, and who may be at higher risk for postpartum depression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or who do not identify with the targeted ethnic and socioeconomic groups may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of a group-based prevention program for postpartum depression (PPD) among pregnant women, comparing in-person sessions at hospitals with virtual sessions conducted via video conferencing. The program, called Reach Out, Stay Strong, Essentials for New Moms (ROSE), is designed to support women during the perinatal period, particularly targeting those from socioeconomically disadvantaged and minoritized backgrounds. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the in-person or virtual intervention, both offered in English and Spanish, to assess which delivery method is more effective in preventing PPD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of postpartum depression among new mothers, improving mental health outcomes for both mothers and their families.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with similar group-based interventions for postpartum depression, indicating a promising approach to mental health support in perinatal care.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.