Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 45 to 59

Collaborative stepped-care intervention for adults with mild to moderate depression

Official title: Effectiveness of a Collaborative Stepped-care Intervention for Adults Aged 45 and Above With Subthreshold Depressive Symptoms in the Primary Care Setting in Hong Kong

Run by The University of Hong Kong · NCT06658041 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new team-based therapy approach to see if it helps adults over 45 with mild to moderate depression feel better and access mental health support more easily.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages45 Years to 59 Years
SexAll
Enrollment352 (estimated)
SponsorThe University of Hong Kong
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hong Kong, HONG KONG)
StatusRecruiting
StartedDecember 23, 2024
Main results expectedJune 30, 2027
Study endsJune 30, 2027
Registry record updatedJuly 25, 2025
Trial IDNCT06658041 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults aged 45 years and above residing in Hong Kong with mild to moderately severe depressive symptoms.

Probably not a fit

Patients with severe mental health conditions or imminent suicidal risk may not benefit from this intervention.

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 effectiveness of a collaborative stepped-care intervention based on cognitive behavioral therapy for adults aged 45 and above with subthreshold depressive symptoms in a primary care setting. The intervention aims to improve accessibility to mental health services and reduce the burden of depression. Participants will be compared to propensity score-matched active controls to assess changes in depressive symptoms both immediately after the intervention and up to three months later. The approach builds on previous successful models implemented in Hong Kong for older adults.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve mental health outcomes for adults experiencing mild to moderate depressive symptoms.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies using similar collaborative stepped-care models have shown effectiveness, indicating potential for success in this expanded intervention.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Residing in Hong Kong;
* Presenting mild to moderately severe depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 = 5-19);
* Able to give informed consent to participate.

Exclusion Criteria:

* A known history of autism, intellectual disability, schizophrenia-spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, Parkinson's disease, or dementia;
* Imminent suicidal risk;
* Difficulty in communication that would limit meaningful participation in psychological intervention.

Where it's running

  • The University of Hong Kong
    Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Terry YS Lum, Ph.D. — The University of Hong Kong
  • Study coordinator: Stephanie MY Wong, Ph.D.
  • Email: stephanie@myinwong.com
  • Phone: +85290371111

Similar studies

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

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.