Technology Assisted Programs That Promote Mental Health for Teenagers

Technology Assisted Intervention for the Treatment and Prevention of Depression

The mission of this project is to develop novel systems of care that can provide efficacious, scalable, cost-effective, participant friendly behavioral intervention technologies (BITs) for the prevention of depression in adolescents. The investigators define BITs as interventions that use information and telecommunications technologies such as the internet, mobile or traditional phones, computers and/or other technologies to support and deliver psychological and behavioral interventions. Through usability testing, focus interviews, and field trials, investigators may modify the technologies and intervention based on immediate usage data.

The mission of this project is to develop novel systems of care that can provide efficacious, scalable, cost-effective, participant friendly behavioral intervention technologies (BITs) for the prevention of depression in adolescents. The investigators define BITs as interventions that use information and telecommunications technologies such as the internet, mobile or traditional phones, computers and/or other technologies to support and deliver psychological and behavioral interventions. Through usability testing, focus interviews, and field trials, investigators may modify the technologies and intervention based on immediate usage data.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Has a score of 12-39 (males) / 15-39 (females) on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) OR reported past month use of marijuana, cigarettes, alcohol or other substances on the Center for Disease Control Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS).
• Is familiar with the use of computers and the Internet, as well as mobile phones
• Is able to speak and read English
• Is between 14-19 years of age

Exclusion Criteria:

• Is currently taking an antidepressant medication or has taken one in the previous 3 months
• Has visual, hearing, voice, or motor impairment that would prevent completion of study procedures or use of the Internet or mobile phone
• Is diagnosed with a psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, dissociative disorder, current substance dependence, or other diagnosis for which participation in this trial is either inappropriate or dangerous. Inclusion of participants with symptoms of anxiety disorders, eating disorders and substance abuse disorders will be made on a case-by-case basis.
• Is severely suicidal (has ideation, plan, and intent in the past 12 months) .