University of Washington
In response to large numbers of senior center clients who suffer untreated depression and the dearth of geriatric mental health providers, the investigators have simplified Behavioral Activation to be delivered by lay volunteers ("Do More, Feel Better"; DMFB). The focus of Behavioral Activation is to guide clients to reengage in daily pleasant and rewarding activities, and reduce depressive symptoms. If the investigators can show that the lay delivery model has positive impact in comparison to MSW-delivered Behavioral Activation, the investigators will have identified an effective intervention that can be used by a large untapped workforce of older adult volunteers across the nation.
This Collaborative R01 application (UW, Cornell, USF) proposes to conduct an effectiveness trial of lay-delivered Behavioral Activation ("Do More, Feel Better"; DMFB), in comparison to MSW-delivered Behavioral Activation (MSW BA), for depressed (PHQ-9\>10 and Ham-D\>14) older (60+) senior center clients. The primary aim tests the effectiveness of DMFB, in comparison to MSW BA, on increasing overall activity level (target) and reducing depression symptoms. The investigators will test whether increased activity level predicts greater reduction in depression severity and whether increased activit…
Client Participants (anticipated enrollment: 288) Inclusion Criteria: Referral to study (stage 1): 1. Age ≥ 60 years. 2. Attends one of 18 participating Seattle, NYC, or Tampa area senior centers. 3. Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) score of ≥10 via routine screening. Research assessment (stage 2): 1. Clinically-assessed HAM-D\>14 2. Mini-Mental Status Exam (MMSE) ≥ 24 OR modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (mTICS) ≥ 19 3. Off antidepressants or on a stable dose for 12 weeks. 4. Capacity to provide written consent for both research assessment and the BA intervention. Cl…
Behavioral Activation as delivered by trained volunteers
Behavioral Activation as delivered by trained master's level clinicians