Screening for depression in Black churches using community health workers

Community Partnered Participatory Approach to Implement Depression Screening in Black Churches

NA · Columbia University · NCT04524767

This study tests whether using Community Health Workers to screen for depression in Black churches helps African American adults get better mental health care compared to regular referral methods.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment600 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorColumbia University (other)
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT04524767 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to utilize Community Health Workers (CHWs) to screen for depression among African American adults in 30 Black churches. It compares the effectiveness of an intervention called Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) against standard referral practices on treatment engagement for depression. The study will assess mental health outcomes at 3 and 6 months post-screening and evaluate the barriers and facilitators of screening uptake through a mixed-methods approach. The goal is to improve access to mental health services in a trusted community setting.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are African American adults aged 18 and older who are fluent in English and have a PHQ-9 or GAD-7 score of 10 or higher.

Not a fit: Patients currently receiving formal mental health treatment or those reporting active suicidality or psychotic symptoms may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly increase depression treatment engagement among African American adults.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in using community-based approaches for mental health screening, indicating potential for this method.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults 18 years and older
* Fluent in English
* Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score and/or Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 ≥ 10

Exclusion Criteria:

* Reporting active suicidality, or verbally endorsing homicidal ideation or psychotic symptoms
* Currently receiving formal mental health treatment

Where this trial is running

New York, New York

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Depression

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.