A Pilot Randomized Trial of Video-based Family Therapy for Depressed Home Visited Mothers

A Pilot Randomized Trial of Video-based Family Therapy for Home Visited Mothers With Perinatal Depressive Symptoms

Depressed mothers (pregnant and post-delivery) make up a significant portion of Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) clients. Home visited mothers often experience family conflict that precipitates or worsens their depressive symptoms. This study uses an effectiveness-implementation hybrid type 1 design with a pilot randomized trial to test the feasibility, acceptability, tolerability, safety, and preliminary effectiveness of an innovative family therapy intervention that uses technology to bypass barriers to increase access to treatment for this vulnerable population.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Mothers in any trimester of pregnancy through 18 months postpartum who are enrolled in home visiting at a participating agency;
• Fluent in English;
• Mother and her family member have at least an 8th grade education;
• Mothers with Beck Depression Inventory-Second Edition scores of at least 20;
• Perceived Hostility Survey-Adult raw scores of at least 16 for the adult mother and her adult family member; Perceived Hostility Survey-Child raw scores of at least 14 for the adolescent mother and her adolescent intimate partner; and
• Consistent internet access on their cell phones, tablets, or computer equipped with a microphone and camera.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Suicidal ideation in the mother and/or her family member;
• Mothers with bipolar disorder symptoms;
• Psychotic symptoms in the mother and/or her family member;
• Mother is currently receiving individual therapy;
• Family is currently receiving family therapy;
• Mothers who have been taking an antidepressant for less than 2 months; and
• Families with domestic violence.