Faith-based intervention to reduce depression in African American adults

Cognitive Behavioral and Faith Fellowship to Improve Thy Health (CB-FAITH) - A Feasibility and Acceptability Study

NA · University of Wisconsin, Madison · NCT06292637

This study tests a faith-based program to see if it can help reduce depression in African American adults in Wisconsin.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Wisconsin, Madison (other)
Locations3 sites (Madison, Wisconsin and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06292637 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of a faith-based intervention called Cognitive Behavioral Faith Fellowship to Improve Thy Health (CB-FAITH) in alleviating symptoms of depression among African American adults in Wisconsin. Utilizing a randomized stepped wedge design, church groups will be the units of randomization, with participants receiving the intervention at different time points. The study aims to evaluate not only the efficacy of the intervention but also the role of religiosity in treatment effectiveness and participant satisfaction within church settings. If validated, this will be the first evidence-based faith-based intervention specifically designed for this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are African American adults aged 18 and older who exhibit symptoms of major depressive disorder.

Not a fit: Patients with major psychotic illnesses, current suicidal ideations, or those actively participating in psychotherapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce symptoms of depression and improve mental health outcomes for African American adults.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in faith-based interventions for mental health, but this specific approach targeting African Americans is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* self-identify as an African American man or woman
* are ages 18 and older
* have symptoms of major depressive disorder, as evidenced by score of 10 and higher from the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9).

Exclusion Criteria:

* major psychotic illnesses, such as schizophrenia;
* current participation in psychotherapy
* current suicidal ideations (trained staff will conduct a suicide risk assessment and facilitate referral for appropriate care).
* Medication stabilization. Eligible participants who report recent changes to their psychiatric medications (i.e., initiation of a new medication, change in dose or type of medication) will delay their study enrollment for a stabilization period of 4 weeks. Baseline data collection will be re-administered
* alcohol or drug dependence - those with alcohol or other drug dependence who have been clean and sober for 3 months will not be excluded

Where this trial is running

Madison, Wisconsin and 2 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 →

Conditions: Depression, faith-based intervention

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.