Evaluation of a Crowd-Powered Web Platform for Depression and Anxiety

Evaluation of the Crowd-Powered Web Platform for Accumulative Depression and Anxiety Plans and Treatment (ADAPT)

100 participants will be enrolled in a two-armed randomized controlled trial of the Accumulated Depression and Anxiety Plans and Treatments (ADAPT) platform which integrates internet Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (iCBT) to determine impact on symptoms of depression and anxiety. This trial will pilot the effectiveness of the ADAPT platform, and evaluate the extent to which the ADAPT platform engages putative targets of personal relevance, skills use, and skills mastery.

The investigators will enroll 100 participants in a two-armed randomized controlled trial of the ADAPT platform (iCBT). Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the ADAPT platform (treatment) or a similar self-guided platform (control) that contains the didactic material (learning) but lacks the ADAPT platforms "crowd" features. Participants will use their assigned platform for a treatment period of 8 weeks. Participants will receive trial assessments at baseline, week 4, and week 8 (post-treatment). Follow-up evaluations will occur at 16 weeks to evaluate maintenance of gains. This pilot effectiveness trial aims to determine the impact on symptoms of depression and anxiety and whether the platform engages the putative targets of personal relevance, relationship, resulting in increased skills mastery and skills use.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 1) Completion of the Mental Health America Screening to Supports (MHA S2S) or significant mood and anxiety symptoms as defined by an accepted cut-off on a validated measure the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS). The accepted cut-off is scores greater than 22;
• 2) able to speak and read English;
• 3) at least 18 years of age.

Exclusion Criteria:

• 1) severe suicidality (has ideation, plan, and intent)