Comparing support options for the Healthy Minds meditation app
Official title: The COMParing App Support Strategies Study
Run by University of Wisconsin, Madison · NCT07278466 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether adding a brief coaching session, on-demand email help, or short microsupport messages helps adults with elevated depression or anxiety get more benefit from the Healthy Minds meditation app.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 688 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Wisconsin, Madison Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Madison, Wisconsin) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 13, 2026 |
| Main results expected | January 31, 2029 |
| Study ends | January 31, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | October 29, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07278466 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults in the U.S. with elevated depression or anxiety symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥ 10 or GAD-7 ≥ 10), proficient in English, with a smartphone and internet access and able to receive text messages, who do not have psychosis, mania, or active suicidal ideation are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People with a history of psychosis or mania, active suicidal thoughts, non-U.S. residents, those who previously participated, or individuals with only mild symptoms are unlikely to benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Participants who meet eligibility will be randomly assigned to combinations of three support factors: an introductory coaching session or no coaching, on-demand email support or none, and microsupport messages or none. After a web-based screener and online consent, participants complete a baseline survey and twice-daily check-ins, then take part in a 4-week intervention with weekly questionnaires and a 6-month follow-up assessment. The intervention uses the Healthy Minds Program app, which delivers training in awareness, connection, insight, and purpose through podcasts and guided meditations. The study screens out people with psychosis, mania, active suicidal ideation, non-U.S. residency, or prior participation, and requires smartphone/internet access and ability to receive texts.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could identify low-intensity support approaches that increase engagement and improve mental health outcomes from a meditation app.
How similar studies have gone: Previous digital mental health research has shown that human coaching and automated prompts can improve engagement and symptoms in some trials, but results are mixed and combining these specific microsupport strategies is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Elevated symptoms of depression and/or anxiety (PHQ-9 greater than or equal to 10, GAD-7 greater than or equal to 10) * Proficiency in English * Access to a smartphone and internet * Ability to receive text messages Exclusion Criteria: * Non-US citizen or legal resident (green card holder) * History of psychosis or mania * Suicidal ideation or thoughts of self-harm indicated by PHQ9 item 9 and BDI item 9 * Individuals who do not provide the information required for GUID generation * Previous participation * Individuals who do not have their camera turned on and remain visible on camera during the virtual introductory and coaching sessions (if applicable).
Where it's running
-
Center for Healthy Minds
Madison, Wisconsin, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Simon Goldberg, PhD — UW Madison
- Study coordinator: Wendy Lau, PhD
- Email: wendy.lau@wisc.edu
- Phone: 608-890-2747
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Helping children and teens manage severe irritability, anxiety, and depression.
This program will try cognitive behavioral therapy plus detailed behavioral and brain tests to see if it helps children and teens (ages 4–17) with severe irritability, anxiety, or depression.
-
How symptoms, thoughts, and behaviors change week by week during a 7-week online mindfulness program for emotional distress
This trial tests whether a 7-week self-guided online mindfulness program helps people with high emotional distress (such as depression or anxiety) and tracks weekly changes in their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
-
Peer support to expand access to Spanish digital cognitive behavioral therapy in the Mission community
This project will test whether adding peer support helps Spanish-speaking Latino adults in the Mission neighborhood use a Spanish-language online CBT program to reduce symptoms of depression or anxiety.
-
Rapid screening for anxiety and depression in children, teens, and young adults treated for cancer
This study tests a short questionnaire to quickly find anxiety or depression in children, adolescents, and young adults who were treated for cancer.
-
Building Connections: improving cancer screening, weight management, and mental health for adults in vulnerable communities
This program will try to improve cancer screening, weight management, and mental health care for adults served by community clinics in Massachusetts.
-
A sleep-health program to help teens recover faster from concussion
This project tests whether a personalized, multidimensional sleep-health program helps adolescents (ages 10–19) recover faster from concussion and sleep better than standard guidance.
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.