Behavioral Activation delivered by peer recovery specialists in a community clinic
Official title: Hybrid Effectiveness-Implementation Trial to Evaluate a Scalable, Peer-Delivered Intervention for Depression Among People With Substance Use Disorder in a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic
Run by Wayne State University · NCT07219394 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether Behavioral Activation delivered by peer recovery specialists helps adults with depression (and co-occurring substance use disorders) who receive care at a community behavioral health center.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 250 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Wayne State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Detroit, Michigan) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 22, 2026 |
| Main results expected | January 15, 2029 |
| Study ends | January 15, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | November 4, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07219394 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18 or older receiving services at the community site who have clinically significant depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 score ≥ 8), can complete procedures in English, and do not have active, undertreated psychosis or mania are the ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People with active, undertreated psychotic symptoms or mania that would interfere with participation, or those unable to provide informed consent or complete procedures in English, are unlikely to benefit from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional effort compares peer-delivered Behavioral Activation to peer-delivered non-specific services among adults with clinically significant depressive symptoms receiving integrated care at a community-based center. Peer recovery specialists are trained and supervised to deliver the Behavioral Activation protocol in a setting serving low-income clients. Participants are screened with the PHQ-9 (inclusion threshold PHQ-9 ≥ 8) and excluded if active, undertreated psychosis or mania would interfere or if they cannot complete procedures in English. Primary outcomes include change in depressive symptoms and measures of implementation feasibility and acceptability, with sessions delivered at Detroit Recovery Project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could expand access to an effective, low-cost depression treatment by enabling trained peer specialists to deliver Behavioral Activation in low-resource community clinics.
How similar studies have gone: Behavioral Activation delivered by clinicians is well supported for depression, while peer-delivered versions are less tested but similar peer-delivered behavioral interventions have shown promise in increasing access and engagement.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 years old or older * Report clinically-significant symptoms of depression, as indexed by a score of 8+ on the PHQ-9. Exclusion Criteria: * Active, under treated psychotic symptoms or mania that would interfere with participation in study procedures * Inability to provide informed consent and/or complete procedures in English
Where it's running
-
Detroit Recovery Project
Detroit, Michigan, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Julia Felton, PhD
- Email: hv8914@wayne.edu
- Phone: 7049957832
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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.