Peer support to expand access to Spanish digital cognitive behavioral therapy in the Mission community
SUPERA: Supporting Peer Interactions to Expand Access to Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Spanish-speaking in the San Francisco Mission Community
This project will test whether adding peer support helps Spanish-speaking Latino adults in the Mission neighborhood use a Spanish-language online CBT program to reduce symptoms of depression or anxiety.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 213 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of California, Berkeley Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (San Francisco, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT07186816 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The project will enroll 213 Spanish-preferring adults in San Francisco's Mission community with elevated depression (PHQ-9 ≥10) or anxiety (GAD-7 ≥8). Participants will use SilverCloud, a Spanish-language digital cognitive behavioral therapy program, with assignment to supported (peer-assisted) or unsupported (self-guided) delivery within a one-armed implementation design. The intervention is delivered online and requires smartphone or home internet access and basic tech literacy, with brief training offered if needed; participants currently in psychotherapy are excluded and antidepressant use is allowed if dose is stable. Outcomes will include changes in symptom scores and measures of program engagement and implementation to inform broader community rollout.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Spanish-preferring adults (age ≥18) in the Mission community with PHQ-9 ≥10 or GAD-7 ≥8, who have internet access, are not currently in psychotherapy, and are willing to use an online CBT program.
Not a fit: Patients already receiving psychotherapy, those without reliable internet or basic technology skills, or individuals needing immediate intensive psychiatric care may not benefit from this digital intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could increase access to effective Spanish-language CBT and help reduce depression and anxiety symptoms among Latino adults who face language or access barriers.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research on SilverCloud and on supported versus unsupported digital CBT has shown improved engagement and symptom reduction with support, although large Spanish-language community implementations are less common.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. PHQ-9 ≥ 10 or GAD-7 ≥ 8 2. Has access to the Internet via smartphone and/or broadband at home, and basic level of technological literacy or willingness to undergo a brief technology use training 3. ≥18 years of age 4. Preference for receiving medical care in Spanish 5. Not in concurrent psychotherapy 6. If currently taking an antidepressant medication, patient must have been on a stable dose for at least 6 weeks, and have no plans to change the dose. We will permit patients on antidepressants to enter the study, as this will increase generalizability. Antidepressant status will be monitored at each assessment to control for those effects, if necessary. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Currently receiving psychotherapy, as this treatment will be offered as a frontline treatment for depression and anxiety, however, patients are allowed to be referred to treatment while participating in this study and initiation of treatment will be monitored and considered in analyses 2. Visual, hearing, voice, or motor impairment or illiteracy that would prevent completion of study procedures 3. Diagnosis of a psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, dissociative disorder, or substance use disorder 4. Severe suicidality (as assessed by expressing suicidal ideation, plan, and intent). Although procedures with back-up plans are in place for patients who develop suicidality (see Human Subjects Section), patients assessed with severe suicidality will be referred to more-intensive treatment resources.
Where this trial is running
San Francisco, California
- Zuckerberg San Francisco General — San Francisco, California, United States (Recruiting)
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.