Group therapy program for postpartum parents with mood disorders

A Postpartum Adaptation Study of the Connecting and Reflecting Experience Parenting Program

Not applicable Interventional Montefiore Medical Center · NCT06042166

This study tests a group therapy program for new parents dealing with mood and anxiety issues to see if it helps them feel better and improve their relationship with their baby.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment21 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexFemale
SponsorMontefiore Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bronx, New York)
Trial IDNCT06042166 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the Connecting and Reflecting Experience (CARE) parenting program, a 12-session group therapy designed for postpartum parents experiencing mood and anxiety disorders. The program aims to improve mental health, reduce parenting stress, and enhance parent-child relationships by helping parents understand their own and their children's mental states. Participants will complete surveys before, during, and after the program to assess its effectiveness and appeal. The study is conducted at Montefiore Medical Center, targeting parents of infants aged 3-12 months.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are birthing parents of infants aged 3-12 months who are experiencing moderate to high levels of postpartum depression or anxiety.

Not a fit: Patients with severe psychiatric conditions requiring higher levels of care or those who have previously participated in a CARE group may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve the mental health and parenting experiences of postpartum parents dealing with mood disorders.

How similar studies have performed: While the CARE program has shown promise with parents of older children, this specific application with postpartum parents is novel and untested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Birthing parent (of any gender) of an infant age 3-12 months old at baseline
* Receiving postpartum OB/GYN or mental health services at Montefiore Medical Center
* Experienced or currently experiencing moderate to high levels of depression and/or anxiety symptoms in the postpartum period
* English-speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

* Prior participation in a Connecting and Reflecting Experience (CARE) group at any time
* Participation in another parenting-focused group during the current postpartum period
* Current episode of psychosis or mania
* Psychiatric, neurocognitive, or substance use related difficulties necessitating a higher level of care than outpatient support (e.g., current inpatient treatment) or that would impede group participation (e.g., severe cognitive impairment)

Where this trial is running

Bronx, New York

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.
Conditions Postpartum DepressionPostpartum AnxietyParenting StressParent Child Relationshipspostpartum depressiongroup therapyparenting stressshort-term therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.