Treating Depression With Text Messaging

Treating Depression With Text Delivered Counseling (Depression Study 2.0)

The purpose of the research study is to investigate whether CBT-txt, a counseling program delivered by text messages is effective in stopping or reducing depressive symptoms. CBT-txt is based on a counseling program that has been proven to reduce depression when delivered in-person and on the web, but has not yet been tested or shown to be effective when delivered by text.

After being informed about the study and potential risks, participants will complete online screening assessments. Once eligibility is confirmed, participants will be randomized either to the intervention group or to the waitlist-control group. Those who are randomized to the intervention group will receive the 8-week text intervention via smartphone and complete assessments at baseline, 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months. Those who are randomized to the waitlist-control group will only complete the assessments at baseline, 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months. Participants who are initially assigned to the waitlist-control group can choose to receive the text intervention once their 3-month participation is complete.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 to 25 years old
• a score of at least 5 on the PHQ-9 (indicating elevated depression symptoms

Exclusion Criteria:

• treatment for depression during the past three months
• endorse suicide ideation on the PHQ-9*
• lack of access to a text-capable phone
• unable or unwilling to commit to two months of follow-up
• not fluent in English.