Depression Return to Work Intervention

Developing an App-based Behavioral Intervention to Help Depressed Individuals Return to Work

This study is a randomized controlled trial to test the effectiveness of a mobile app-based program aimed to help individuals with unemployment-related emotional distress return to work.

This study will compare two different approaches to reducing unemployment-related emotional distress. Participants will be involved in the study for a total of 22 weeks. During the first 6 weeks, participants will complete activities relating to either the mobile-app based program or the self-guided job-seeking program. The study team will follow up with participants at 8 weeks after the program is completed and at 16 weeks after the program is completed. Participants will also be asked to complete questionnaires before starting the program, during the program, after they complete the program, and at the follow-up visits. The questionnaires will be about the participant's mood, job seeking behavior, and related emotional experiences.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18-65 years of age
• Currently unemployed and actively searching for work
• Prior to unemployment, were employed full-time (35 hours per week or more) for at least 1 year
• Prior to unemployment, received an individual highest salary of $100,000 or less
• Owns an iPhone or Android Phone
• Willing and able to provide informed consent
• Has a minimum depression score according to the PROMIS depression scale
• Able to communicate in English (verbal and written)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current moderate or severe alcohol/substance use disorders
• Current symptoms of mania or psychosis
• Currently employed, retired, or a full or part-time student