MAYA mobile CBT for middle-aged and older adults with anxiety or depression
Official title: Feasibility and Acceptability of a Mobile Cognitive Behavior Therapy App Targeting Depression and Anxiety in Older Adults
Run by Weill Medical College of Cornell University · NCT05754151 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether the MAYA iPhone app helps people age 40 and older with anxiety or depression learn CBT coping skills through brief, twice-weekly sessions.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 40 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Weill Medical College of Cornell University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 16, 2023 |
| Main results expected | June 2027 |
| Study ends | June 2027 |
| Registry record updated | May 22, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05754151 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 40 or older with a primary anxiety or depressive disorder, preserved cognitive function, access to an Apple iPhone, and stable psychiatric treatment (no recent medication or psychotherapy changes).
✕Probably not a fit
Those with lifetime bipolar or psychotic disorders, active suicidal intent, significant cognitive impairment, current CBT, recent medication or psychotherapy changes, or no iPhone are unlikely to benefit from this pilot.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a single-arm pilot testing the MAYA mobile cognitive behavioral therapy app in middle-aged and older adults with anxiety or mood disorders. Participants are asked to use the app at least two days per week for 20 minutes each day for six weeks, with weekly check-ins and assessments at baseline, week 3, week 6 (end of treatment), and week 12 (follow-up). Outcome measures include app usage (completion of assigned sessions), participant impressions of the app, and symptom questionnaires for anxiety and depression. There is no control group and the protocol requires an Apple iPhone and screens out bipolar/psychotic disorders, current CBT, recent medication or psychotherapy changes, suicidal intent, and significant cognitive impairment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, MAYA could offer an accessible, at-home way for middle-aged and older adults to reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms and learn practical coping skills.
How similar studies have gone: Mobile and app-based CBT programs have shown promise in adults for reducing anxiety and depression, but robust data specifically focused on middle-aged and older adults are limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 40 or older * Primary diagnosis of an anxiety or depressive disorder as determined by a clinical severity rating score of 4 or greater on the Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule (ADIS). * Mini Mental Status Exam (MMSE) no more than 1 SD below the mean score for patient's age and education. If the remote version of the MMSE is used (e.g. during an evaluation on Zoom), the remote MMSE score will be converted to a standard MMSE score. * Access to an Apple iPhone, iPad, or Android device. Exclusion Criteria: * Lifetime diagnosis of a bipolar or psychotic disorder. * Currently in cognitive behavior therapy. * Change in dose of a psychiatric medication in the past 12 weeks. * Initiation of psychotherapy in the past 12 weeks. * Intent or plan to attempt suicide.
Where it's running
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Weill Cornell Medicine
New York, New York, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jennifer Bress, Ph.D. — Weill Medical College of Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Maddy Schier
- Email: mas4019@med.cornell.edu
- Phone: (646) 289-5271
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.