Clinical trial No longer in our active list Interventional Ages 18 to 60 Women only

App-based cognitive behavioral therapy for preventing postpartum depression

Official title: Examining the Feasibility and Acceptability of a Novel App-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Intervention for Preventing Postpartum Depression

Run by Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island · NCT06365645 · Data updated 2026-05-14

This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.

This study is testing a smartphone app that offers support to help prevent postpartum depression in mothers who are at higher risk.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexWomen only
Enrollment90 (estimated)
SponsorWomen and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Providence, Rhode Island)
Trial IDNCT06365645 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are English- or Spanish-speaking mothers over 18 years old, who own a smartphone and are receiving prenatal care at the designated clinic.

Probably not a fit

Patients with a recent history of depression, anxiety, or other psychiatric conditions, as well as those endorsing active suicidality, will not benefit from this study.

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 the feasibility and acceptability of a smartphone application called M.Bapp, which is based on the Mothers & Babies Program, designed to prevent postpartum depression (PPD) among high-risk mothers. The app aims to provide cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) interventions to women receiving prenatal care, particularly those who may face barriers to traditional in-person therapy. By utilizing evidence-based qualitative research and user-centered design, the study seeks to adapt this effective program into a digital format that can be accessed conveniently by mothers. The goal is to assess how well this app can be integrated into the care of perinatal patients and its potential impact on mental health outcomes.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this app could significantly reduce the incidence of postpartum depression among high-risk mothers, improving both maternal and child health outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown success with app-based interventions for mental health, but this specific adaptation for postpartum depression is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* English- or Spanish-speaking
* maternal age \>18 years old
* smartphone ownership
* receiving prenatal care from a resident or nurse-practitioner/midwifery clinic at the Obstetric and Gynecologic Care Center at WIH
* plan to receive postpartum care at the OGCC,
* gestational age ≥32 weeks'.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Active diagnosis or history within five years of depression, anxiety, or other psychiatric condition, as documented in the electronic medical record
* Endorsing active suicidality on intake survey or screening positive on EPDS (≥10) or Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 (≥10) or GAD-7 (≥8)
* prisoners
* inability to consent.

Where it's running

  • Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island
    Providence, Rhode Island, United States
    Recruiting

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

  • Using a Smart Bassinet to Improve Maternal Sleep and Mental Health

    This study is testing if a Smart Bassinet can help new mothers and their babies sleep better, which might also improve the mothers' mental health after giving birth.

    Recruiting University of Colorado, Colorado Springs · Colorado Springs, Colorado · NCT06544941

  • Support for new parents in the NICU

    This study tests whether having a doula to support new parents in the NICU can help reduce stress and anxiety for those with preterm infants, especially for families from low-income backgrounds.

    Recruiting University of Pennsylvania · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · NCT06521398

  • Digital tool to support maternal mental health during pregnancy

    This study is testing a new app to see if it can help pregnant women feel better and support their mental health during pregnancy.

    Recruiting at 3 sites A Thousand Colibris, S.L · Barcelona, Catalonia and 2 other locations · NCT06442774

  • Integrated care for mothers and infants to improve postpartum health

    This study is testing a new care program for new moms and their babies to see if it can help reduce postpartum depression, anxiety, and health issues in the year after childbirth.

    Recruiting Ohio State University · Columbus, Ohio · NCT06277661

  • Mindfulness intervention for mothers and infants

    This study tests if a mindfulness program for mothers and their babies can help reduce postpartum depression and anxiety while strengthening their bond.

    Recruiting Tilburg University · Tilburg, North Brabant · NCT05830266

  • Smartphone-supported single-session psychotherapy for postpartum depression

    A single online therapy session plus four weeks of app-based support is being tested to see if it reduces depressive symptoms in postpartum women compared with a waitlist.

    Recruiting University of Sao Paulo · São Paulo, São Paulo · NCT07925762

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.