Psychotherapy program for postpartum depression
Official title: Engage & Connect: A Novel Social Reward Psychotherapy for Postpartum Depression
Run by Weill Medical College of Cornell University · NCT05585164 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new online therapy program for new moms with postpartum depression to see if it can help them feel less isolated and improve their mood.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Weill Medical College of Cornell University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 1, 2022 |
| Main results expected | July 2030 |
| Study ends | July 2030 |
| Registry record updated | August 20, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05585164 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are mothers who are up to one year postpartum and have a moderate level of postpartum depression as indicated by an EPDS score of 10 or higher.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe psychiatric conditions, active substance abuse, or those currently undergoing psychotherapy may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial evaluates a novel psychotherapy called Engage & Connect, designed to reduce postpartum depression by enhancing social engagement and support. Over a 9-week period, participants will receive either the Engage & Connect intervention or a Symptom Review and Psychoeducation intervention, both delivered remotely. The study aims to assess changes in social isolation, social reward processing, and depression severity among mothers experiencing postpartum depression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve the mental health and social well-being of mothers suffering from postpartum depression.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using psychotherapy to address postpartum depression, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Up to 1 year post-delivery 2. Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score ≥ 10. 3. Off antidepressants or on a stable dose of an antidepressant for 8 weeks and do not intend to change the dose in the next 10 weeks. 4. Capacity to provide consent for research assessment and treatment. 5. Speaks English proficiently Exclusion Criteria: 1. Intent or plan to attempt suicide in the near future 2. Ongoing psychotherapy (no more than once every 8 weeks or during the duration of the intervention) 3. Active substance abuse or dependence 4. Severe fetal anomalies, stillbirth or infant death at time of enrollment for index pregnancy 5. History or presence of psychiatric diagnoses other than major depressive disorder without psychotic features, generalized anxiety disorder, persistent depressive disorder, or specific phobia. 6. Use of psychotropic drugs or cholinesterase inhibitors other than use of ≤ 0.5 mg of lorazepam daily up to seven times per week.
Where it's running
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Weill Cornell Medicine
New York, New York, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nili Solomonov, PhD — Weill Medical College of Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Nili Solomonov, PhD
- Email: nis2051@med.cornell.edu
- Phone: 212-746-5886
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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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.