App-based cognitive behavioral therapy for preventing postpartum depression

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

NA · Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island · NCT06365645

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

Quick facts

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

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.

Who should consider this trial

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.

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.

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

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Providence, Rhode Island

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Postpartum Depression, Postpartum Anxiety, Stress, perinatal mental health, digital health, postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, smartphone application

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.