Peer health coaching to reduce anxiety and depression in people with rheumatoid arthritis
Official title: Pilot Randomized Trial of Health Coaching for People With Rheumatoid Arthritis to Improve Mental Well-Being
Run by Weill Medical College of Cornell University · NCT07222696 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This program will test whether peer health coaching helps adults with rheumatoid arthritis reduce symptoms of anxiety or depression over six months.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 250 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Weill Medical College of Cornell University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 12, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 2030 |
| Study ends | December 2030 |
| Registry record updated | January 22, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07222696 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults in the U.S. with a rheumatologist-confirmed diagnosis of RA who are taking a DMARD, have moderate anxiety (GAD-7 >10) or depression (PHQ-8 10–20), speak English or Spanish, and have internet access are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People with severe depression (PHQ-8 >20), other rheumatic diseases, dementia, who are bedbound, or who reside in nursing homes are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized interventional program compares peer coaching delivered by people with RA to an active-control coaching program that covers general health and nutrition. Participants meet weekly with a coach for nine weeks and complete questionnaires before, during, and after the intervention, with primary outcomes measured at six months. Eligible adults have a rheumatologist diagnosis of RA, are taking a DMARD, and have moderate levels of anxiety or depression; sessions are offered in English or Spanish and delivered remotely. The trial will determine whether coaching by peers with RA produces greater reductions in anxiety or depression than coaching from non-RA health coaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a scalable, low-cost way to reduce anxiety and depression and improve overall mental well-being for adults living with RA.
How similar studies have gone: Other peer- and health-coaching programs for chronic illnesses have shown mixed but promising improvements in mental health, though peer coaching specific to RA remains less well studied.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Male or Female older than 18 years of age. * Have a diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis by a rheumatologist and currently taking a Disease-Modifying Anti-rheumatic drug ( Conventional Disease-Modifying Anti-rheumatic drug and/or Biological Disease-Modifying Anti-rheumatic drug) * Have high levels of depression defined as PHQ-8 scores between 10 to 20, OR high levels of anxiety based on GAD-7 scores \> 10 * Speaks English or Spanish * Have access to the internet, a computer, and/or a smartphone * Resides or lives in any state of the US, including Puerto Rico * Willing to work with a peer coach or a coach Exclusion Criteria: * Having a rheumatic disease other than RA (e.g., psoriatic arthritis, gout, lupus) * Nursing home resident * History of dementia or severe cognitive decline * Are currently bedbound * Severe depression defined as PHQ-8 scores of \>20.
Where it's running
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Weill Cornell Medical College
New York, New York, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Iris Y Navarro-Millán, MD — Weill Medical College of Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Iris Navarro-Millán, MD, MPH
- Email: yin9003@med.cornell.edu
- Phone: 205-529-2978
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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.