Meru Health Program for Cancer Patients With Depression and Anxiety

The goal of this single-arm intervention study is to test the feasibility of the Meru Health Program (MHP) in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety among 20 people with cancer referred from the Cancer Support Community (CSC). The MHP is a 12-week digital mental health intervention delivered via a smartphone app. The intervention focuses on cognitive behavioral techniques and mindfulness skills with the aim of improving mental health symptoms. The platform provides informational videos, skills practices, group discussion, and messaging with a licensed clinician employed by Meru Health. The licensed clinician supports patients as needed and reviews engagement logs within the app. As part of the intervention, depression and anxiety symptoms are measured on a biweekly basis over 12 weeks. For this study, self-reported surveys will be administered at baseline, week 12, and 2-months post-treatment to measure health-related quality of life and intervention satisfaction. In-depth interviews will be conducted with patients. Two focus groups will be conducted with MHP clinicians and CSC navigators to understand barriers and facilitators to the screening processes and intervention delivery.

Inclusion criteria

• Positive screen (score >= 3 out of 8) on the anxiety or depression subscale of the CSS 15+ Questionnaire
• PHQ-9 and/or GAD-7 score >= 5 at clinical intake
• Willing to commit to the Meru Health Program if selected
• Proficient in the English language
• At least 18 years of age at the time of enrollment
• Has a valid mailing address
• Owns 1 of the 3 past versions of an Apple or Android mobile phone operating system
• Currently in active cancer treatment at the time of enrollment

Exclusion criteria

• Active suicide intent with plan to act
• Substance use disorder in the past 3 months
• Lifetime bipolar disorder
• Lifetime psychotic disorder
• Currently pregnant
• Less than 3 months postpartum