Behavioral Activation delivered by peer recovery specialists in a community clinic
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
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 250 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Wayne State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Detroit, Michigan) |
| Trial ID | NCT07219394 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Detroit, Michigan
- Detroit Recovery Project — Detroit, Michigan, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Julia Felton, PhD
- Email: hv8914@wayne.edu
- Phone: 7049957832
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.