Comparing support options for the Healthy Minds meditation app
The COMParing App Support Strategies Study
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 688 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Wisconsin, Madison Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Madison, Wisconsin) |
| Trial ID | NCT07278466 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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
Where this trial is running
Madison, Wisconsin
- 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
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.