Evaluating the Feasibility of Disseminating a Novel Mobile Platform to Treat Depression

Scaling a Smarter and More Efficient Intervention: Evaluating the Feasibility of Disseminating a Novel Mobile App Platform to Treat Depression

The goal of this project is to conduct a pilot study to test the utility of a Natural Language Processing (NLP) clinical messaging tool to improve the reach and the quality (fidelity and competency) of coaches providing behavioral activation (BA) strategies through a mobile mental health app called Personalized Real-time Intervention for Motivational Enhancement (PRIME). This study will improve the reach of clinicians by using a NLP-powered messaging tool, which will ensure fidelity to the BA model and clinicians will have access to real-time clinical information about their patients to guide more targeted treatment (competence). If successful, PRIME could operate as a cost effective tool for clinicians to extend their reach and an accessible treatment for the population of those struggling with depression.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 and older
• Read and speak English
• PHQ-9 score of 5 or greater or indicate that their depressive symptoms are interfering with their daily functioning (Item 10 of the PHQ-9 > 2).
• To be consistent with the NIMH RDoC initiative, we will assess for co-morbid problems (substance abuse, anxiety, and psychosis), but will not exclude participants with psychiatric comorbidities
• Must own a mobile device on iOS or Android platforms that either Wi-Fi or 3G/4G ready;

Exclusion Criteria:

• Under 18
• Cannot read or speak in English
• Cannot attain suitable mobile device