Home › Trials › NCT04621877

Behavioral Activation delivered by volunteers in senior centers

Lay-Delivered Behavioral Activation in Senior Centers

Not applicable Interventional University of Washington · NCT04621877

This study tests if a simpler program to help seniors with depression, run by volunteers, works as well as the same program led by trained professionals.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment288 (estimated)
Ages60 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Washington Academic / other
Locations25 sites (Brandon, Florida and 24 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04621877 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This intervention focuses on addressing untreated depression among seniors by implementing a simplified version of Behavioral Activation, called 'Do More, Feel Better' (DMFB), delivered by lay volunteers. The study compares the effectiveness of DMFB to traditional Behavioral Activation delivered by master's level clinicians. Participants, aged 60 and older, will engage in activities aimed at increasing their overall activity levels and reducing depressive symptoms. The trial will also explore long-term outcomes and factors influencing the sustainability of the intervention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are seniors aged 60 and older who attend participating senior centers and have a PHQ-9 score of 10 or higher.

Not a fit: Patients with current active suicidal ideation or severe psychiatric or medical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide an effective and accessible intervention for seniors suffering from depression.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using lay-delivered interventions for mental health, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Client Participants (anticipated enrollment: 288)

Inclusion Criteria:

Referral to study (stage 1):

1. Age ≥ 60 years.
2. Attends one of 18 participating Seattle, NYC, or Tampa area senior centers.
3. Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) score of ≥10 via routine screening.

Research assessment (stage 2):

1. Clinically-assessed HAM-D\>14
2. Mini-Mental Status Exam (MMSE) ≥ 24 OR modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (mTICS) ≥ 19
3. Off antidepressants or on a stable dose for 12 weeks.
4. Capacity to provide written consent for both research assessment and the BA intervention.

Client Participants Exclusion Criteria:

1. Current active suicidal ideation.
2. Presence of psychiatric diagnoses other than unipolar, non-psychotic major depression or generalized anxiety disorder by SCID-V (Structure Clinical Interview for DSM-V).
3. Severe or life-threatening medical illness (e.g., end stage organ failure).
4. Inability to speak English or Spanish

Volunteer Participants (anticipated enrollment: 36) Inclusion Criteria

1. Age ≥ 60 years.
2. Attends one of the participating Seattle, NYC, or Tampa-area senior centers.

Volunteer Participants Exclusion Criteria

1. Current major depressive disorder, alcohol or substance abuse, or manic, hypomanic, or psychotic symptoms (SCID-V);
2. Mini-Mental Status Exam (MMSE) ≥ 24 OR modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (mTICS) ≥ 19;
3. Inability to speak and read English or Spanish

Clinician Participants (anticipated enrollment: 36) Inclusion Criteria

1. Master's degree in social work, counseling, marriage/family, or other clinical mental health degree
2. English or Spanish Speaking
3. Capacity to provide consent for all study procedures
4. Willing to audio record study sessions for supervision and evaluation

Clinician Participants Exclusion Criteria

1. Non-English or Non-Spanish speaking
2. Does not hold a Master's degree in social work, counseling, marriage/family, or other clinical mental health degree
3. Unable to provide consent
4. Unwilling to audio record study sessions for supervision and evaluation

Where this trial is running

Brandon, Florida and 24 other locations

Study contacts

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 → Find more trials like this →
Conditions Depression
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.