Improving Depression Via E-Health Access (IDEA) Study

Improving Depression Via E-Health Access (IDEA) Study: Evaluating Uptake and Efficacy of Self-Help e-Mental Health Interventions in Primary Care

The researchers are doing this study to learn more about which online self-help resources, including a smartphone app, an online program, or an informational website, primary care patients with depression are likely to choose and whether the chosen tool will improve their depressive symptoms and wellbeing. The researchers would also like to know how likely someone is to use the resources and their satisfaction with the resources.

Participants will be using a self-help resource for the 6-week study period. A Care Manager will contact participants by phone, once a week, for about 5-10 minutes at a pre-arranged time. Participation will be needed for 10 weeks in total (6 weeks of active participation and a survey 1-month after the study intervention ends).

Subscription-based self-help resources being tested during the study will not be freely available after the study period. However, the researchers will share information on how to access these resources for a fee after the study period to all participants.

In addition to the time above, the researchers will collect information from participant's medical records for another 10 months after participation. The entire study is expected to last about 2 years.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Individuals who are English-speaking
• Individuals with a Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ9) score greater than or equal to 11 or diagnosis of moderate to severe depression determined by the Care Manager during her initial psychiatric evaluation and by the study PI during panel review will supersede a low PHQ9 score.
• Individuals with have daily internet access and a smartphone;
• Individuals who agree to periodic contact with the care manager and study team.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals who have cognitive impairment that would preclude use of self-help resources
• Individuals with already using an electronic mental health resource;
• Individuals with unstable medical illness, e.g. active cancer;
• Individuals with severe psychiatric symptoms (marked suicidality, psychotic symptoms, severe substance abuse)