Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for depression in older adults

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This trial evaluates the effectiveness of Empower@Home, an internet-delivered cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) program, for homebound older adults experiencing depressive symptoms. A total of 256 participants will be randomly assigned to either the Empower@Home program or enhanced usual care, with the aim of assessing improvements in depressive symptoms over 12, 24, and 36 weeks. The study also explores treatment moderators and conducts a cost-effectiveness analysis to determine the economic viability of the intervention. By leveraging aging service providers, the program addresses barriers to accessing traditional mental health services faced by this population.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* (1) be receiving or eligible to receive services at the recruitment sites
* (2) read and speak English
* (3) be at least 50 years old
* (4) have at least moderate depressive symptoms at screening (≥ 8 on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 \[PHQ-9\]).
* (5) Participants who are NOT currently receiving outside therapy must agree NOT to start outside therapy during study participation. Participants who are currently receiving outside therapy must agree NOT to increase their outside therapy frequency during study participation.

Exclusion Criteria:

* (1) probable dementia based on the Blessed Orientation and Memory Scale.
* (2) moderate or high risk of suicide based on the 6-item Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale
* (3) a terminal illness with less than six months to live or unstable physical health conditions based on self-report
* (4) a diagnosis of a psychotic disorder like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder based on self-report and medical chart review
* (5) severe vision impairment based on self-report (i.e., legally blind)
* (6) current substance use disorders or receiving substance use treatment.
* (7) currently receiving outside therapy more frequently than once a month or have started a new therapy treatment less than 3 months ago

Where it's running

• University of Michigan
  Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Xiaoling Xiang, PhD — University of Michigan
• Study coordinator: Xiaoling Xiang, PhD
• Email: xiangxi@umich.edu
• Phone: 734-763-6581

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.