Helping mothers with depression to improve preschool outcomes

Improving Preschool Outcomes by Addressing Maternal Depression in Head Start

NA · Brown University · NCT04092010

This study is testing a new program to help mothers with depression improve their own mental health and their preschool children's development while they are in Head Start programs.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment388 (estimated)
SexFemale
SponsorBrown University (other)
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT04092010 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates a stepped-care intervention aimed at addressing maternal depression among mothers of preschool children enrolled in Head Start programs in Massachusetts. The intervention includes problem-solving education for mothers with mild symptoms and engagement sessions for those with more severe symptoms, linking them to formal mental health care. Over a 12-month period, the study will assess the impact of this intervention on both maternal mental health and child developmental outcomes. The approach is based on existing evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of the individual components of the intervention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are mothers of children aged 0 to 5 years enrolled in Head Start who are experiencing symptoms of depression.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit from this study include mothers with suicidal ideation or cognitive limitations.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the mental health of mothers and enhance developmental outcomes for their preschool-aged children.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar stepped-care approaches in addressing maternal mental health, indicating a promising avenue for this intervention.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Mother of a 0 to 5-year-old Head Start child
* Mother speaks English or Spanish

Exclusion Criteria:

* Mother with suicidal ideation
* Mother with cognitive limitation

Where this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts

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: Maternal Depression, Stepped care intervention, Problem solving education, Engagement session, Head Start, Preschool children

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.