Psychological Care Strategies for Depression and Anxiety

Overseen by Michelle G. Craske, Ph.D

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: University of California, Los Angeles

Disqualifiers: Psychotic disorder, Severe eating disorder, Severe substance use disorder, Severe neurological disorder, others

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests different methods to decide and adjust mental health care for community college students at ELAC. It aims to find the best way to help students with their mental health by using regular check-ins to guide their care.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are currently treated by a psychiatrist or psychologist, you must be willing to fully transfer your care to the trial's program.

What data supports the idea that Psychological Care Strategies for Depression and Anxiety is an effective treatment?

The available research shows that Psychological Care Strategies for Depression and Anxiety, which include digital and online therapies, are effective in treating these conditions. Studies highlight the use of digital tools like outcome feedback technology and eHealth services, which help therapists track patient progress and improve treatment outcomes. These tools increase patient engagement and provide real-time feedback on symptoms, leading to better management of depression and anxiety. Additionally, these digital strategies are cost-efficient and support collaborative care, making them a valuable alternative to traditional treatments. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

What safety data exists for psychological care strategies for depression and anxiety?

The research provided does not directly address safety data for the psychological care strategies mentioned. However, it discusses various aspects of digital and technology-delivered interventions, such as online anxiety interventions, ultra-brief cognitive-behavioral therapy, and digital apothecaries. These studies focus on feasibility, acceptability, engagement, and the potential for digital interventions to expand access to care. They also highlight the importance of evidence-based interventions and caution against potential negative consequences, such as reducing access to live providers. While safety is not explicitly discussed, these considerations imply a focus on ensuring interventions are effective and accessible, which indirectly relates to safety. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

Is Clinician-Delivered Psychological and Psychiatric Care, Coach-Guided Online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Self-Guided Online Prevention a promising treatment for depression and anxiety?

Yes, this treatment is promising because it combines traditional psychological care with innovative online methods. Coach-guided online therapy helps people stick to their treatment, making it more effective. Online options offer flexibility and accessibility, allowing people to choose between in-person and digital support. This approach can reach more people and provide effective help for those with depression and anxiety. ^{7 9 10 11 12}

Research Team

Michelle G. Craske, Ph.D

Principal Investigator

University of California, Los Angeles

Kate Taylor, Ph.D

Principal Investigator

University of California, Los Angeles

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for students aged 18-40 at East Los Angeles College, either uninsured or on California Medicaid, with internet access. It's not for those needing specialized care for severe disorders, currently under psychiatric treatment unwilling to transfer to STAND, or unable to understand the study requirements.

Inclusion Criteria

Own or have private access to internet to complete the assessments and online prevention and therapy programs

I am either uninsured or covered by California Medicaid.

Currently enrolled in the East Los Angeles College

Exclusion Criteria

I am seeing a psychiatrist or psychologist and do not want to switch to STAND.

I can understand the consent form and answer questions about my health.

Diagnosed with disorders requiring more specialized care (e.g., psychotic disorder, severe eating disorder, severe substance use disorder, severe neurological disorder), or marked cognitive impairment

Trial Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants are randomized into symptom severity decision-making or data-driven decision-making and triaged to one of three levels of care. Treatment includes self-guided online prevention, coach-guided online cognitive behavioral therapy, or clinician-delivered care.

40 weeks

Weekly or every 8 weeks assessments

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Clinician-Delivered Psychological and Psychiatric Care (Behavioral Intervention)
• Coach-Guided Online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Behavioral Intervention)
• Self-Guided Online Prevention (Behavioral Intervention)

Trial Overview The S.T.A.N.D. project tests decision-making algorithms in triaging and adapting mental health care levels among diverse low-income college students. They'll be randomly assigned to symptom severity or data-driven groups and receive varying online prevention and therapy services.

Participant Groups

Group I: Data-Driven Decision-Making Experimental Treatment 3 Interventions

Using data-driven algorithm that considers social determinants of mental health, early life adversity/stress, predisposing, enabling and need influences upon health services use, and comprehensive mental health status to guide triaging and adapting level of care.

Group II: Symptom Severity Decision-Making Active Control 3 Interventions

Using current symptom severity level to guide triaging and adapting level of care.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of California, Los Angeles

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,594

Recruited

10,430,000+

Dr. Thomas Rando

University of California, Los Angeles

Chief Medical Officer since 2023

MD from UCLA

Amir Naiberg

University of California, Los Angeles

Chief Executive Officer since 2024

JD from UCLA

Findings from Research

The study involving 594 patients showed that implementing computerized outcome feedback (OF) technology in therapy for depression and anxiety did not significantly change clinical outcomes, as measured by PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores, compared to traditional methods.

However, the use of OF led to a significant reduction in the average duration and cost of treatment, suggesting that OF can enhance the efficiency of stepped care psychological services.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Improving the efficiency of psychological treatment using outcome feedback technology. Delgadillo, J., Overend, K., Lucock, M., et al.[2018]

A study involving 2233 patients and 79 therapists across eight NHS Trusts found that using an outcome feedback system in psychological therapy significantly reduced symptom severity in patients at risk of poor treatment response, compared to standard treatment.

Patients receiving therapy with outcome feedback showed greater improvements in depression and anxiety scores, indicating that this low-cost technology can enhance the effectiveness of psychological interventions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Feedback-informed treatment versus usual psychological treatment for depression and anxiety: a multisite, open-label, cluster randomised controlled trial. Delgadillo, J., de Jong, K., Lucock, M., et al.[2019]

The 'Improvehealth.eu' eHealth service was successfully implemented in a pilot study with 46 patients, showing a significant improvement in medication adherence for those using the intervention (odds ratio = 10.0, P = .03).

Patients using the eHealth service reported feeling more engaged and in control of their treatment, with 81% expressing positive perceptions, suggesting the intervention has potential to enhance treatment outcomes for depressive disorders.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Feasibility of an eHealth service to support collaborative depression care: results of a pilot study. Meglic, M., Furlan, M., Kuzmanic, M., et al.[2021]

Digital media and electronic health systems can effectively assess and monitor both somatic and psychiatric disorders by collecting real-world data on symptoms, wellbeing, and physiological indicators over time.

For online interventions to be successful, patients require motivation and support from therapists, highlighting the need for mental health professionals to become proficient in using digital tools to enhance treatment outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[E-Health in diagnosis and therapy of mental disorders : Will therapists soon become superfluous?] Lüttke, S., Hautzinger, M., Fuhr, K.[2019]

A pilot study involving 38 primary care providers in Vermont showed that a 1-hour training workshop for ultra-brief cognitive-behavioral therapy (UB-CBT) was highly feasible and acceptable, with 91% of providers feeling adequately trained to use the intervention.

Providers reported that the UB-CBT intervention was easy to administer (97% agreement), although some expressed concerns about the time required for implementation, indicating a need for further refinement and research on its effectiveness.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Ultra-brief cognitive-behavioral therapy (for routine primary care visits: Feasibility and acceptability of a brief provider training workshop. Terman, JM., Rohan, KJ., Cruz, RC., et al.[2023]

Digital apothecaries, proposed as online repositories for evidence-based psychological interventions, could significantly improve access to mental health resources for individuals globally, especially those currently underserved.

While these digital tools have the potential to reduce health disparities, there is a caution against their misuse, which could lead to reduced access to traditional in-person care, highlighting the need for mindful integration into healthcare systems.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Digital apothecaries: a vision for making health care interventions accessible worldwide. Muñoz, RF., Chavira, DA., Himle, JA., et al.[2023]

In a randomized controlled trial involving 63 participants referred to secondary mental health care for depression, the addition of a coach to a Web-based therapy (The Journal) did not significantly improve depression scores compared to usual care with an information leaflet after 12 weeks.

Participants using The Journal attended fewer outpatient appointments on average, but this difference was not statistically significant, highlighting potential challenges in engagement and adherence to Web-based therapies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Web-based Therapy Plus Support by a Coach in Depressed Patients Referred to Secondary Mental Health Care: Randomized Controlled Trial. Hatcher, S., Whittaker, R., Patton, M., et al.[2020]

This study will evaluate the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention delivered by primary care psychologists to 246 patients with mild-to-moderate mixed anxiety-depressive disorder, comparing it to usual care alone.

The primary outcome will be measured using the Short Form-36 General Health Survey, with additional assessments of anxiety and depression symptoms at multiple time points, highlighting the potential benefits of integrating psychological interventions in primary care settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy of a cognitive and behavioural psychotherapy applied by primary care psychologists in patients with mixed anxiety-depressive disorder: a research protocol. Jauregui, A., Ponte, J., Salgueiro, M., et al.[2018]

The rise of technology and consumer choice is transforming mental health treatment, allowing individuals to choose between traditional in-person consultations and various online services for diagnosis and support.

The paper reviews the effectiveness and ethical considerations of computer programs in treating anxiety and depression, highlighting the potential for structured therapy programs and online counseling to improve access to mental health care.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Computer-based treatment for anxiety and depression: is it feasible? Is it effective? Proudfoot, JG.[2019]

In a study involving 229 patients with generalized anxiety disorder, an internet-delivered psychotherapy program showed a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms, as measured by the GAD-7 scale, indicating its efficacy in real-world primary care settings.

Despite the program's effectiveness, only 13.5% of participants completed it, with withdrawal linked to factors like low program friendliness and lack of motivation, highlighting the need to address these barriers for better engagement.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The efficacy and pattern of use of a computer-assisted programme for the treatment of anxiety: a naturalistic study using mixed methods in primary care in Spain. Herrera-Mercadal, P., Montero-Marin, J., Plaza, I., et al.[2018]

References

1. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Improving the efficiency of psychological treatment using outcome feedback technology. [2018]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Improving Psychiatric Care Through Integrated Digital Technologies. [2023]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Feedback-informed treatment versus usual psychological treatment for depression and anxiety: a multisite, open-label, cluster randomised controlled trial. [2019]

4. Canada pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Feasibility of an eHealth service to support collaborative depression care: results of a pilot study. [2021]

5. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[E-Health in diagnosis and therapy of mental disorders : Will therapists soon become superfluous?] [2019]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Lessons Learned: Providing Supportive Accountability in an Online Anxiety Intervention. [2023]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Ultra-brief cognitive-behavioral therapy (for routine primary care visits: Feasibility and acceptability of a brief provider training workshop. [2023]

8. China pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Digital apothecaries: a vision for making health care interventions accessible worldwide. [2023]

9. Canada pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Web-based Therapy Plus Support by a Coach in Depressed Patients Referred to Secondary Mental Health Care: Randomized Controlled Trial. [2020]

10. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy of a cognitive and behavioural psychotherapy applied by primary care psychologists in patients with mixed anxiety-depressive disorder: a research protocol. [2018]

11. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Computer-based treatment for anxiety and depression: is it feasible? Is it effective? [2019]

12. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The efficacy and pattern of use of a computer-assisted programme for the treatment of anxiety: a naturalistic study using mixed methods in primary care in Spain. [2018]