Purpose:
This partnership between Talkspace and the UW ALACRITY Center will determine how effective
unlimited text-based psychotherapy for depression is when compared to once-a-week
psychotherapy. This study will also determine what the best treatment options are for people
who are not responding well to either unlimited texting or weekly psychotherapy. The results
of this study will be a new product version of message-based care that can tailor
psychotherapy intensity based on the needs of future consumers with depression.
Study summary:
This is a fast track SBIR proposal that will (1) test the effectiveness of daily,
message-based psychotherapy (MBP) for depression, compared to traditionally delivered,
video-chat psychotherapy (VCP) and (2) develop an evidence-based treatment sequence for those
who do not respond to either daily MBP or VCP.
Phase 1 consists of a pilot study to determine the best incentive model to retain a sample of
people 18 years old and older with depression into a SMART trial. Information from this pilot
will inform the retention strategy for Phase 2.
Phase 2 is a 12-week, randomized clinical trial using a SMART design to test the following
aims: 1. Determine the relative effectiveness of daily MBP compared to weekly VCP in treating
symptoms of depression and improving social functioning; 2. For those who fail to respond to
6 weeks of weekly VCP only, determine whether the addition of daily messaging, or a switch to
monthly video-chat plus daily messaging improves depression and functional outcomes; and 3.
For those who fail to respond to 6 weeks of daily MBP, whether the addition of monthly
video-chat or weekly video-chat improves outcomes. Participants will provide data on mood,
activity, and functioning, and we will collect data on use of treatment (texts and sessions),
and working alliance.
Criteria:
Inclusion and exclusion criteria are the same for Phase 1 and Phase 2.
Inclusion Criteria:
- 18 years old or older
- English or Spanish speaking
- Live in the United States
- Score of 10 or greater on the PHQ-9 screening
- Receive a diagnosis of depression from a Talkspace intake clinician
Exclusion Criteria:
- Under the age of 18
- Non-English or Spanish speaking
- Do not meet criteria for a depressive disorder
- Participants with active suicidal ideation or with a primary diagnosis of psychosis
will also be excluded and referred to intensive care.