The Preliminary Effects of Empower@Home

Depression affects up to 40% of homebound seniors, but most homebound seniors do not receive psychotherapy due to various access barriers. The study team focuses on developing community-based solutions to reduce these access barriers. In a previously approved project HUM00207612, the study team tested the feasibility of a novel internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) program called Empower@Home. The pilot project allowed for refining study procedures and the web platform used to deliver the program. In this new project, the study team will conduct a pilot randomized control trial to test the effectiveness of Empower@Home with older adults. Recruitment methods include 1) referrals from social service agencies, 2) advertisements on social media, local news outlets, and the program website, and 3) research participant registries.

The intervention involves attending up to 9 pre-recorded online therapy sessions and receiving weekly coaching calls from trained research assistants for up to 10 weeks. Participants will engage in therapy in their private homes. Three assessments are scheduled, including a comprehensive baseline, a post-test, and a 10-week follow-up. Each assessment takes about 20-40 minutes to complete over the phone.

Between Jan and Sept 2023, about 70 subjects (35 in each group) will be recruited. Participants will be randomized into the treatment group or waitlist control. The treatment group will receive the intervention immediately, whereas the waitlist control will wait for ten weeks before starting the intervention (i.e., after the 10-week "post-test"). Therefore, this is a cross-over design.

Inclusion criteria

• ≥60 years
• have at least mild depressive symptoms, based on PHQ-9 >=8
• are willing to participate

Exclusion criteria

• Probable cognitive impairment based on the Blessed Orientation, Memory, and Concentration scale (score >9).
• They do not speak English
• have active suicidal ideation, defined as moderate to high risk based on the 6-item Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)
• Have a terminal illness or unstable physical health with a high risk of hospitalization within the next 3 months
• Have severe vision impairment that can not be corrected and with no in-home help to assist them with using a mobile device
• possible substance use disorders as assessed by the 4-item CAGE screener (>=2 on the CAGE AND have not been sober for at least one year)
• Have a self reported psychotic disorder
• Currently receiving psychotherapy