PEERS Using Peer Mentors to Deliver Depression Care

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

+3 other locations

Overseen byJin Hui Joo, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a peer support program called PEERS, where individuals who have experienced depression help low-income and minority older adults with depression. The program involves regular meetings focused on self-care and connecting to community resources. The goal is to improve access to mental health care for this vulnerable group by using peer mentors.

Research Team

Jin Hui Joo, MD

Principal Investigator

Johns Hopkins University

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

able to communicate in English

50 years and older

willing to give informed consent.

See 2 more

Treatment Details

Interventions

PEERS (Behavioral Intervention)

Participant Groups

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: PEERSExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Peer mentors who have experience of depression are trained and supervised to deliver depression care. Peers will meet with depressed older adults for 8 weekly meeting lasting approximately 45 minutes. Peer mentors will provide social support defined as emotional, informational and appraisal support that includes coping strategies. Peers will be supervised by a mental health professional.

Group II: Social interactionActive Control1 Intervention

A study staff member will provide eight weekly social interaction visits and phone calls to the depressed older adult.