A program to help seniors reduce depression and improve social engagement after leaving protective services
Official title: Improving Adult Protective Services Client Outcomes: A Stepped-Care Social and Mental Health Engagement Program
Run by The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston · NCT06257095 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests an 8-week program to help older adults who have experienced abuse or neglect feel less depressed and connect more with others after leaving protective services.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 400 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Houston, Texas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 9, 2023 |
| Main results expected | October 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | October 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | June 3, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06257095 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are older adults who are transitioning out of Adult Protective Services and can provide informed consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are unable to consent or have severe psychiatric conditions may not benefit from this program.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study evaluates an 8-week social engagement program designed for older adults transitioning out of Adult Protective Services due to elder abuse or self-neglect. The program aims to reduce depression and enhance social interaction among participants. It involves a stepped-care approach, where participants receive tailored social and mental health support. The effectiveness and feasibility of this intervention will be assessed through participant feedback and mental health evaluations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve the mental health and social well-being of vulnerable seniors.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using social engagement programs to improve mental health outcomes in older adults, suggesting this approach could be effective.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Older Adults * an APS validated EM/SN case * able to provide informed consent * able to speaks English or Spanish * able to hear sufficiently using the telephone * transitioning out of APS intervention (i.e. in the case closure phase of the APS service). Student * college or university student * enrolled in a health-related program * commit to making 8-weekly consecutive calls * complete the required 1-hour training and assessment. Exclusion Criteria: Older Adults * Individuals needing a proxy to consent * suspected or confirmed decision-making capacity impairments or uncontrolled psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia, paranoia, delusion, or delirium Student -only engaging in the program to fulfill some educational requirement
Where it's running
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The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Houston, Texas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jason Burnett, PhD — The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
- Study coordinator: Jason Burnett, PhD
- Email: Jason.Burnett@uth.tmc.edu
- Phone: (713) 873-4685
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Depression treatment delivered through devices for adults with elder or self neglect
This study tests whether a tablet/smartphone-based behavioral activation treatment helps adults with depression who have APS involvement and may reduce neglect or self-neglect behaviors.
-
Digital health platform for aging well
This study is testing a new digital health platform that helps older adults track their health and get personalized feedback to see if it can improve their well-being.
-
Using antidepressants to prevent depression after fragility fractures in older adults
This study is testing if giving antidepressants to older adults with leg fractures when they leave the hospital can help prevent depression.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.