Telehealth therapy for depression and elder abuse victims
Official title: Tele-PROTECT Therapy: Effectiveness, Empowerment, and Implementation
Run by Weill Medical College of Cornell University · NCT06039930 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether a new video therapy program can help older adults in New York City who are dealing with depression and elder abuse feel better and safer compared to just getting education about depression.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 140 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Weill Medical College of Cornell University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 22, 2023 |
| Main results expected | March 31, 2028 |
| Study ends | January 1, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | July 29, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06039930 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are English- or Spanish-speaking individuals aged 60 and older who are experiencing mild to moderate depression and require elder abuse services.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with active suicidal ideation or severe medical illnesses may not 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 trial evaluates the effectiveness of Tele-PROTECT, a video-delivered psychotherapy intervention, compared to a control group receiving depression education. The study aims to assess the impact of Tele-PROTECT on reducing depression and increasing safety-related empowerment among elder abuse victims in New York City. Participants will receive 9 weeks of telehealth therapy designed specifically for older adults experiencing both depression and elder abuse. The trial also seeks to gather insights on the implementation of Tele-PROTECT to facilitate its broader dissemination.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce depression and empower elder abuse victims to take steps towards their safety.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results for similar interventions targeting mental health in elder abuse victims, indicating potential for success.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * ≥60 years of age * Capacity to consent (per elder abuse staff) * Depression, i.e., PHQ-9≥10 (by elder abuse staff), represents mild to moderate severity of depression and has a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 88% for major depression * Need for elder abuse services as verified by the elder abuse case worker. Exclusion Criteria: * Active suicidal ideation (MADRS item 10 ≥4) * Inability to speak English or Spanish * Axis 1 DSM-5 diagnoses other than unipolar depression or comorbid generalized anxiety disorder (by SCID) * Mini-MOCA less than 11 * Severe or life-threatening medical illness * Elder abuse emergency and or referral out of elder abuse agency.
Where it's running
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Weill Cornell Medicine
New York, New York, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jo Anne Sirey, Ph.D — Weill Medical College of Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Jo Anne Sirey, Ph.D
- Email: jsirey@med.cornell.edu
- Phone: 914-997-4333
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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.