Empower@Home: A Feasibility Pilot

Depression affects up to 40% of homebound seniors. The purpose of this research project is to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of a novel internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) program called Empower@Home. Our team developed Empower@Home collaboratively with older adult stakeholders and social service providers. It is the first iCBT program tailored for low-income racially diverse homebound seniors. It has the potential to reduce access barriers to mental health services among this high-need population. Although Empower@Home is based on an evidence-based mental health treatment (i.e., CBT), it is a novel intervention and has not yet been tested with human subjects. This is a pilot study that involves testing the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of the intervention with a single group of participants in an open trial. No randomization will occur. All eligible participants who consent will receive the intervention. A total of15 older adults will be recruited to participate in this study. All of them will be recruited through referrals from 2 to 3 social service agencies on this list (The Information Center, Region 2 Area Agency on Aging (AAA), Senior Resources, and A & D home care). The intervention involves attending up to 10 pre-recorded online therapy sessions and receiving weekly maintenance calls from trained research assistants for up to 12 weeks. Participants will engage in therapy at their private homes. A comprehensive baseline and post-test will be administered either over the phone or via an online survey, depending on the participants' preference. No in-person interaction between the participants and the research team is anticipated during the active treatment phase unless intervention is warranted for subjects' safety. Quantitative and qualitative data will be collected and analyzed.

Inclusion criteria

• ≥60 years
• have at least mild depressive symptoms, based on PHQ-9 >=5
• are willing to participate

Exclusion criteria

• Currently receiving CBT or iCBT
• Probable cognitive impairment based on the Blessed Orientation, Memory, and Concentration scale (score >= 10).
• They do not speak English
• have active suicidal ideation (any positive response on the 9th item of PHQ-9)
• Have a terminal illness or unstable physical health with a high risk of hospitalization within the next 3 months
• Severe hearing or vision problems that prevent them from using a tablet/computer or viewing online content