Story-based web app to help Latinas start mental health treatment
Official title: Randomized Controlled Trial of a Choice-driven, Interactive, Storytelling Web-based App to Investigate Mental Health Treatment Initiation Among Symptomatic Latinas
Run by University of California, Los Angeles · NCT06874790 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This test tries a story-driven, interactive web app to see if it helps English- and Spanish-speaking Latinas with moderate anxiety or depression begin mental health treatment compared with a standard informational webpage.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 700 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of California, Los Angeles Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 9, 2025 |
| Main results expected | November 30, 2028 |
| Study ends | November 30, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | December 22, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06874790 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adult Latinas (18+) who live in Los Angeles or Orange County, speak/read English or Spanish, score ≥10 on the GAD-7 or PHQ-8, have internet access, and are not currently receiving mental health therapy or pharmacotherapy are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People already receiving mental health treatment, those under 18, individuals who are not Latina/Hispanic, or those without reliable internet access or living outside the study area are unlikely to benefit from joining this trial.
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 comparison assigns eligible participants to either "Catalina," a choice-driven interactive storytelling web app featuring a character blog with treatment recommendations and resource links, or a control web page offering publicly available informational videos, mental health resources, and a treatment locator. Eligible participants are English- or Spanish-speaking Latinas aged 18 and older living in Los Angeles or Orange County who have at least moderate symptoms (GAD-7 or PHQ-8 ≥10) and are not currently receiving mental health therapy or medications. The trial measures whether the narrative, character-led approach increases initiation of mental health treatment compared with standard informational content. All participation is web-based and requires internet access via smartphone, tablet, or computer, and the trial is led by UCLA with NIMH collaboration.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the intervention could increase treatment initiation among Latinas with moderate anxiety or depression and thereby improve symptoms and overall well-being.
How similar studies have gone: Prior digital and culturally tailored narrative interventions have shown promise for increasing engagement and treatment-seeking in underserved groups, but story-driven, character-led web apps specifically for Latinas remain relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Latina (women who are from or have family ties to Latin America) * Currently resides in LA or Orange County * Age 18 and older * Able to speak, read, and write in English or Spanish * Score 10 or higher on GAD-7 and/or PHQ-8 * Access to the internet via smartphone, tablet, or computer * Not currently receiving mental health therapy or pharmacotherapy * Has not accessed mental health services during the previous 6 months Exclusion Criteria: * Not Latina or Hispanic * Under age 18
Where it's running
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UCLA
Los Angeles, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: MarySue V. Heilemann, PhD,RN,FAAN — UCLA School of Nursing
- Study coordinator: Study Coordinator
- Email: mediahealthstudy@gmail.com
- Phone: 310-210-4273
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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.