Message-Based Psychotherapy and Digital Treatment Sequences for Depression
NCT ID: NCT04513080
Last Updated: 2025-10-30
Study Results
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View full resultsBasic Information
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COMPLETED
NA
1184 participants
INTERVENTIONAL
2020-03-02
2024-01-14
Brief Summary
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Detailed Description
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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.
Conditions
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Study Design
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RANDOMIZED
SEQUENTIAL
Arms/Interventions have been adjusted to align with the results for the Phase 2 SMART.
TREATMENT
SINGLE
Study Groups
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Phase 2: Message-Based Psychotherapy (MBP; Level 1 and Level 2)
Phase 2 participants who respond to Message-Based Psychotherapy (MBP; Level 1) by 5 weeks of care will continue in this condition from weeks 6 to 12 (MBP; Level 2).
Message-Based Psychotherapy (MBP)
Message-Based Psychotherapy (MBP) allows patients to chat with an assigned licensed therapist as frequently as they wish. After consumers complete an intake and select a therapist, the consumer can begin chatting with their therapist right away, and as often as they wish. Therapists respond to text within 15 minutes to an hour during office hours, and within 14 hours outside of office hours. Thus, MBP is not fully synchronous. This enables therapists to deliver care to a larger number of patients than is possible under synchronous methods by disentangling the therapist's time from the patient's time to respond. It also has the potential to improve quality as it gives the therapist time to think through the most effective response and intervention. MBP will be based on CBT, PST or IPT intervention strategies.
Phase 2: Video-Chat Psychotherapy (VCP; Level 1 and Level 2)
Phase 2 participants who respond to Video-Chat Psychotherapy (VCP; Level 1) by 5 weeks of care will continue in this condition from weeks 6 to 12 (VCP; Level 2). VCP consists of weekly psychotherapy appointments that last between 30-45 minutes.
Video-Chat Psychotherapy (VCP)
Video-Chat Psychotherapy (VCP) consists of weekly psychotherapy appointments that last between 30-45 minutes. These sessions are conducted using Agora, a secure, HIPAA-compliant video conferencing service that is seamlessly integrated into the Talkspace platform application. Therapists will provide evidence-based treatments for depression and anxiety.
Phase 2: MBP (Level 1) to Premium Plan (MBP with monthly VCP; Level 2)
Phase 2: This arm includes participants in MBP (Level 1) who do not respond to treatment by week 5. The Premium Plan intervention consists of MBP with monthly VCP (Level 2). The Premium Plan allows patients unlimited MBP and once a month, 30-45 minute video chat with the same therapist. This intervention will serve as one of two Level 2 conditions for participants who do not respond to MBP or VCP alone by week 5.
Message-Based Psychotherapy (MBP)
Message-Based Psychotherapy (MBP) allows patients to chat with an assigned licensed therapist as frequently as they wish. After consumers complete an intake and select a therapist, the consumer can begin chatting with their therapist right away, and as often as they wish. Therapists respond to text within 15 minutes to an hour during office hours, and within 14 hours outside of office hours. Thus, MBP is not fully synchronous. This enables therapists to deliver care to a larger number of patients than is possible under synchronous methods by disentangling the therapist's time from the patient's time to respond. It also has the potential to improve quality as it gives the therapist time to think through the most effective response and intervention. MBP will be based on CBT, PST or IPT intervention strategies.
Message-Based Psychotherapy with Monthly Video-Chat Psychotherapy
Message-Based Psychotherapy (MBP) with monthly Video-Chat Psychotherapy (VCP) allows patients unlimited texting with their therapist and once a month, 30-45 minute video chat with the same therapist. Therapist and participants schedule their video chat appointment to occur at once a month interval during therapist office hours. The content of these sessions, as well as the MBP portion of care, will be based on CBT, PST or IPT. In Phase 1, this is referred to as "Switch Arm" (for participants assigned to VCP at baseline) or "Minimal Augmentation" (for participants assigned to MBP at baseline). In Phase 2, this is referred to as the "Premium Plan".
Phase 2: MBP (Level 1) to Ultimate Plan (MBP with weekly VCP; Level 2)
Phase 2: This arm includes participants in MBP (Level 1) who do not respond to treatment by week 5. The Ultimate Plan intervention consists of MBP with weekly VCP (Level 2). The Ultimate Plan allows patients unlimited MBP and weekly, 30-45 minute video chat with the same therapist. This intervention will serve as one of two Level 2 conditions for participants who do not respond to MBP or VCP alone by week 5.
Message-Based Psychotherapy (MBP)
Message-Based Psychotherapy (MBP) allows patients to chat with an assigned licensed therapist as frequently as they wish. After consumers complete an intake and select a therapist, the consumer can begin chatting with their therapist right away, and as often as they wish. Therapists respond to text within 15 minutes to an hour during office hours, and within 14 hours outside of office hours. Thus, MBP is not fully synchronous. This enables therapists to deliver care to a larger number of patients than is possible under synchronous methods by disentangling the therapist's time from the patient's time to respond. It also has the potential to improve quality as it gives the therapist time to think through the most effective response and intervention. MBP will be based on CBT, PST or IPT intervention strategies.
Message-Based Psychotherapy with Weekly Video-Chat Psychotherapy
Message-Based Psychotherapy (MBP) with weekly Video-Chat Psychotherapy (VCP) allows patients access to both unlimited MBP, but will be able to schedule weekly, 30-45 minute video chat with the same therapist. Therapists will provide care based on CBT, PST or IPT. In Phase 1, this is referred to as the "Augmentation Arm". In Phase 2, this is referred to as the "Ultimate Plan."
Phase 2: VCP (Level 1) to Premium Plan (MBP with monthly VCP; Level 2)
Phase 2: This arm includes participants in VCP (Level 1) who do not respond to treatment by week 5. The Premium Plan intervention consists of MBP with monthly VCP (Level 2). The Premium Plan allows patients unlimited MBP and once a month, 30-45 minute video chat with the same therapist. This intervention will serve as one of two Level 2 conditions for participants who do not respond to MBP or VCP alone by week 5.
Video-Chat Psychotherapy (VCP)
Video-Chat Psychotherapy (VCP) consists of weekly psychotherapy appointments that last between 30-45 minutes. These sessions are conducted using Agora, a secure, HIPAA-compliant video conferencing service that is seamlessly integrated into the Talkspace platform application. Therapists will provide evidence-based treatments for depression and anxiety.
Message-Based Psychotherapy with Monthly Video-Chat Psychotherapy
Message-Based Psychotherapy (MBP) with monthly Video-Chat Psychotherapy (VCP) allows patients unlimited texting with their therapist and once a month, 30-45 minute video chat with the same therapist. Therapist and participants schedule their video chat appointment to occur at once a month interval during therapist office hours. The content of these sessions, as well as the MBP portion of care, will be based on CBT, PST or IPT. In Phase 1, this is referred to as "Switch Arm" (for participants assigned to VCP at baseline) or "Minimal Augmentation" (for participants assigned to MBP at baseline). In Phase 2, this is referred to as the "Premium Plan".
Phase 2: VCP (Level 1) to Ultimate Plan (MBP with weekly VCP; Level 2)
Phase 2: This arm includes participants in VCP (Level 1) who do not respond to treatment by week 5. The Ultimate Plan intervention consists of MBP with weekly VCP (Level 2). The Ultimate Plan allows patients unlimited MBP and weekly, 30-45 minute video chat with the same therapist. This intervention will serve as one of two Level 2 conditions for participants who do not respond to MBP or VCP alone by week 5.
Video-Chat Psychotherapy (VCP)
Video-Chat Psychotherapy (VCP) consists of weekly psychotherapy appointments that last between 30-45 minutes. These sessions are conducted using Agora, a secure, HIPAA-compliant video conferencing service that is seamlessly integrated into the Talkspace platform application. Therapists will provide evidence-based treatments for depression and anxiety.
Message-Based Psychotherapy with Weekly Video-Chat Psychotherapy
Message-Based Psychotherapy (MBP) with weekly Video-Chat Psychotherapy (VCP) allows patients access to both unlimited MBP, but will be able to schedule weekly, 30-45 minute video chat with the same therapist. Therapists will provide care based on CBT, PST or IPT. In Phase 1, this is referred to as the "Augmentation Arm". In Phase 2, this is referred to as the "Ultimate Plan."
Phase 1: High Monetary Incentive (HMI) + VCP (Level 1 and Level 2)
Phase 1 participants who respond to VCP (Level 1) by 5 weeks of care will continue in this condition from weeks 6 to 12 (VCP; Level 2). Participants in the High Monetary Incentive (HMI) arm received a total of $125 for completing 12 weeks of assessments.
Video-Chat Psychotherapy (VCP)
Video-Chat Psychotherapy (VCP) consists of weekly psychotherapy appointments that last between 30-45 minutes. These sessions are conducted using Agora, a secure, HIPAA-compliant video conferencing service that is seamlessly integrated into the Talkspace platform application. Therapists will provide evidence-based treatments for depression and anxiety.
High Monetary Incentive (HMI)
Participants in the traditional, high monetary incentive arm will receive a total of $125 for completing 12 weeks of assessments.
Phase 1: High Monetary Incentive (HMI) + MBP (Level 1 and Level 2)
Phase 1 participants who respond to MBP (Level 1) by 5 weeks of care will continue in this condition from weeks 6 to 12 (MBP; Level 2). Participants in the High Monetary Incentive (HMI) arm received a total of $125 for completing 12 weeks of assessments.
Message-Based Psychotherapy (MBP)
Message-Based Psychotherapy (MBP) allows patients to chat with an assigned licensed therapist as frequently as they wish. After consumers complete an intake and select a therapist, the consumer can begin chatting with their therapist right away, and as often as they wish. Therapists respond to text within 15 minutes to an hour during office hours, and within 14 hours outside of office hours. Thus, MBP is not fully synchronous. This enables therapists to deliver care to a larger number of patients than is possible under synchronous methods by disentangling the therapist's time from the patient's time to respond. It also has the potential to improve quality as it gives the therapist time to think through the most effective response and intervention. MBP will be based on CBT, PST or IPT intervention strategies.
High Monetary Incentive (HMI)
Participants in the traditional, high monetary incentive arm will receive a total of $125 for completing 12 weeks of assessments.
Phase 1: Low Monetary and Alternative Incentive (LMAI) + VCP (Level 1 and Level 2)
Phase 1 participants who respond to VCP (Level 1) by 5 weeks of care will continue in this condition from weeks 6 to 12 (VCP; Level 2). Participants in the Low Monetary and Alternative Incentive (LMAI) arm received a total of $75 for completing 12 weeks of assessments, messages of encouragement for completing daily assessments, and weekly texts showing participants their clinical improvement and assessment completion rate.
Video-Chat Psychotherapy (VCP)
Video-Chat Psychotherapy (VCP) consists of weekly psychotherapy appointments that last between 30-45 minutes. These sessions are conducted using Agora, a secure, HIPAA-compliant video conferencing service that is seamlessly integrated into the Talkspace platform application. Therapists will provide evidence-based treatments for depression and anxiety.
Low Monetary and Alternative Incentive (LMAI)
Participants in the Low Monetary and Alternative Incentive (LMAI) arm received a total of $75 for completing 12 weeks of assessments, messages of encouragement for completing daily assessments, and weekly texts showing participants their clinical improvement and assessment completion rate.
Phase 1: Low Monetary and Alternative Incentive (LMAI) + MBP (Level 1 and Level 2)
Phase 1 participants who respond to MBP (Level 1) by 5 weeks of care will continue in this condition from weeks 6 to 12 (MBP; Level 2). Participants in the Low Monetary and Alternative Incentive (LMAI) arm received a total of $75 for completing 12 weeks of assessments, messages of encouragement for completing daily assessments, and weekly texts showing participants their clinical improvement and assessment completion rate.
Message-Based Psychotherapy (MBP)
Message-Based Psychotherapy (MBP) allows patients to chat with an assigned licensed therapist as frequently as they wish. After consumers complete an intake and select a therapist, the consumer can begin chatting with their therapist right away, and as often as they wish. Therapists respond to text within 15 minutes to an hour during office hours, and within 14 hours outside of office hours. Thus, MBP is not fully synchronous. This enables therapists to deliver care to a larger number of patients than is possible under synchronous methods by disentangling the therapist's time from the patient's time to respond. It also has the potential to improve quality as it gives the therapist time to think through the most effective response and intervention. MBP will be based on CBT, PST or IPT intervention strategies.
Low Monetary and Alternative Incentive (LMAI)
Participants in the Low Monetary and Alternative Incentive (LMAI) arm received a total of $75 for completing 12 weeks of assessments, messages of encouragement for completing daily assessments, and weekly texts showing participants their clinical improvement and assessment completion rate.
Phase 1: HMI + VCP (Level 1) to Augmentation Arm (MBP with weekly VCP; Level 2)
Phase 1: This arm includes participants in HMI + VCP (Level 1) who do not respond to treatment by week 5. The Augmentation Arm consists of MBP with weekly VCP (Level 2). Participants will have access to unlimited MBP and will be able to schedule weekly, 30-45 minute video chat with the same therapist. This intervention will serve as one of two conditions for participants who do not respond to MBP or VCP alone by week 5.
Message-Based Psychotherapy with Weekly Video-Chat Psychotherapy
Message-Based Psychotherapy (MBP) with weekly Video-Chat Psychotherapy (VCP) allows patients access to both unlimited MBP, but will be able to schedule weekly, 30-45 minute video chat with the same therapist. Therapists will provide care based on CBT, PST or IPT. In Phase 1, this is referred to as the "Augmentation Arm". In Phase 2, this is referred to as the "Ultimate Plan."
High Monetary Incentive (HMI)
Participants in the traditional, high monetary incentive arm will receive a total of $125 for completing 12 weeks of assessments.
Phase 1: HMI + VCP (Level 1) to Switch Arm (MBP with monthly VCP; Level 2)
Phase 1: This arm includes participants in HMI + VCP (Level 1) who do not respond to treatment by week 5. The Switch Arm consists of MBP with monthly VCP (Level 2). Patients have access to unlimited MBP and once a month, 30-45 minute video chat with the same therapist. This intervention will serve as one of two conditions for participants who do not respond to MBP or VCP alone by week 5.
Message-Based Psychotherapy with Monthly Video-Chat Psychotherapy
Message-Based Psychotherapy (MBP) with monthly Video-Chat Psychotherapy (VCP) allows patients unlimited texting with their therapist and once a month, 30-45 minute video chat with the same therapist. Therapist and participants schedule their video chat appointment to occur at once a month interval during therapist office hours. The content of these sessions, as well as the MBP portion of care, will be based on CBT, PST or IPT. In Phase 1, this is referred to as "Switch Arm" (for participants assigned to VCP at baseline) or "Minimal Augmentation" (for participants assigned to MBP at baseline). In Phase 2, this is referred to as the "Premium Plan".
High Monetary Incentive (HMI)
Participants in the traditional, high monetary incentive arm will receive a total of $125 for completing 12 weeks of assessments.
Phase 1: HMI + MBP (Level 1) to Augmentation Arm (MBP with weekly VCP; Level 2)
Phase 1: This arm includes participants in HMI + MBP (Level 1) who do not respond to treatment by week 5. The Augmentation Arm consists of MBP with weekly VCP (Level 2). Participants will have access to unlimited MBP and will be able to schedule weekly, 30-45 minute video chat with the same therapist. This intervention will serve as one of two conditions for participants who do not respond to MBP or VCP alone by week 5.
Message-Based Psychotherapy with Weekly Video-Chat Psychotherapy
Message-Based Psychotherapy (MBP) with weekly Video-Chat Psychotherapy (VCP) allows patients access to both unlimited MBP, but will be able to schedule weekly, 30-45 minute video chat with the same therapist. Therapists will provide care based on CBT, PST or IPT. In Phase 1, this is referred to as the "Augmentation Arm". In Phase 2, this is referred to as the "Ultimate Plan."
High Monetary Incentive (HMI)
Participants in the traditional, high monetary incentive arm will receive a total of $125 for completing 12 weeks of assessments.
Phase 1: HMI + MBP (Level 1) to Minimal Augmentation (MBP with monthly VCP; Level 2)
Phase 1: This arm includes participants in HMI + MBP (Level 1) who do not respond to treatment by week 5. The Minimal Augmentation arm consists of MBP with monthly VCP (Level 2). Patients have access to unlimited MBP and once a month, 30-45 minute video chat with the same therapist. This intervention will serve as one of two conditions for participants who do not respond to MBP or VCP alone by week 5.
Message-Based Psychotherapy with Monthly Video-Chat Psychotherapy
Message-Based Psychotherapy (MBP) with monthly Video-Chat Psychotherapy (VCP) allows patients unlimited texting with their therapist and once a month, 30-45 minute video chat with the same therapist. Therapist and participants schedule their video chat appointment to occur at once a month interval during therapist office hours. The content of these sessions, as well as the MBP portion of care, will be based on CBT, PST or IPT. In Phase 1, this is referred to as "Switch Arm" (for participants assigned to VCP at baseline) or "Minimal Augmentation" (for participants assigned to MBP at baseline). In Phase 2, this is referred to as the "Premium Plan".
High Monetary Incentive (HMI)
Participants in the traditional, high monetary incentive arm will receive a total of $125 for completing 12 weeks of assessments.
Phase 1: LMAI + VCP (Level 1) to Augmentation Arm (MBP with weekly VCP; Level 2)
Phase 1: This arm includes participants in LMAI + VCP (Level 1) who do not respond to treatment by week 5. The Augmentation Arm consists of MBP with weekly VCP (Level 2). Participants will have access to unlimited MBP and will be able to schedule weekly, 30-45 minute video chat with the same therapist. This intervention will serve as one of two conditions for participants who do not respond to MBP or VCP alone by week 5.
Message-Based Psychotherapy with Weekly Video-Chat Psychotherapy
Message-Based Psychotherapy (MBP) with weekly Video-Chat Psychotherapy (VCP) allows patients access to both unlimited MBP, but will be able to schedule weekly, 30-45 minute video chat with the same therapist. Therapists will provide care based on CBT, PST or IPT. In Phase 1, this is referred to as the "Augmentation Arm". In Phase 2, this is referred to as the "Ultimate Plan."
Low Monetary and Alternative Incentive (LMAI)
Participants in the Low Monetary and Alternative Incentive (LMAI) arm received a total of $75 for completing 12 weeks of assessments, messages of encouragement for completing daily assessments, and weekly texts showing participants their clinical improvement and assessment completion rate.
Phase 1: LMAI + VCP (Level 1) to Switch Arm (MBP with monthly VCP; Level 2)
Phase 1: This arm includes participants in LMAI + VCP (Level 1) who do not respond to treatment by week 5. The Switch Arm consists of MBP with monthly VCP (Level 2). Patients have access to unlimited MBP and once a month, 30-45 minute video chat with the same therapist. This intervention will serve as one of two conditions for participants who do not respond to MBP or VCP alone by week 5.
Message-Based Psychotherapy with Monthly Video-Chat Psychotherapy
Message-Based Psychotherapy (MBP) with monthly Video-Chat Psychotherapy (VCP) allows patients unlimited texting with their therapist and once a month, 30-45 minute video chat with the same therapist. Therapist and participants schedule their video chat appointment to occur at once a month interval during therapist office hours. The content of these sessions, as well as the MBP portion of care, will be based on CBT, PST or IPT. In Phase 1, this is referred to as "Switch Arm" (for participants assigned to VCP at baseline) or "Minimal Augmentation" (for participants assigned to MBP at baseline). In Phase 2, this is referred to as the "Premium Plan".
Low Monetary and Alternative Incentive (LMAI)
Participants in the Low Monetary and Alternative Incentive (LMAI) arm received a total of $75 for completing 12 weeks of assessments, messages of encouragement for completing daily assessments, and weekly texts showing participants their clinical improvement and assessment completion rate.
Phase 1: LMAI + MBP (Level 1) to Augmentation Arm (MBP with weekly VCP; Level 2)
Phase 1: This arm includes participants in LMAI + MBP (Level 1) who do not respond to treatment by week 5. The Augmentation Arm consists of MBP with weekly VCP (Level 2). Participants will have access to unlimited MBP and will be able to schedule weekly, 30-45 minute video chat with the same therapist. This intervention will serve as one of two conditions for participants who do not respond to MBP or VCP alone by week 5.
Message-Based Psychotherapy with Weekly Video-Chat Psychotherapy
Message-Based Psychotherapy (MBP) with weekly Video-Chat Psychotherapy (VCP) allows patients access to both unlimited MBP, but will be able to schedule weekly, 30-45 minute video chat with the same therapist. Therapists will provide care based on CBT, PST or IPT. In Phase 1, this is referred to as the "Augmentation Arm". In Phase 2, this is referred to as the "Ultimate Plan."
Low Monetary and Alternative Incentive (LMAI)
Participants in the Low Monetary and Alternative Incentive (LMAI) arm received a total of $75 for completing 12 weeks of assessments, messages of encouragement for completing daily assessments, and weekly texts showing participants their clinical improvement and assessment completion rate.
Phase 1: LMAI + MBP (Level 1) to Minimal Augmentation (MBP with monthly VCP; Level 2)
Phase 1: This arm includes participants in LMAI + MBP (Level 1) who do not respond to treatment by week 5. The Minimal Augmentation arm consists of MBP with monthly VCP (Level 2). Patients have access to unlimited MBP and once a month, 30-45 minute video chat with the same therapist. This intervention will serve as one of two conditions for participants who do not respond to MBP or VCP alone by week 5.
Message-Based Psychotherapy with Monthly Video-Chat Psychotherapy
Message-Based Psychotherapy (MBP) with monthly Video-Chat Psychotherapy (VCP) allows patients unlimited texting with their therapist and once a month, 30-45 minute video chat with the same therapist. Therapist and participants schedule their video chat appointment to occur at once a month interval during therapist office hours. The content of these sessions, as well as the MBP portion of care, will be based on CBT, PST or IPT. In Phase 1, this is referred to as "Switch Arm" (for participants assigned to VCP at baseline) or "Minimal Augmentation" (for participants assigned to MBP at baseline). In Phase 2, this is referred to as the "Premium Plan".
Low Monetary and Alternative Incentive (LMAI)
Participants in the Low Monetary and Alternative Incentive (LMAI) arm received a total of $75 for completing 12 weeks of assessments, messages of encouragement for completing daily assessments, and weekly texts showing participants their clinical improvement and assessment completion rate.
Interventions
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Video-Chat Psychotherapy (VCP)
Video-Chat Psychotherapy (VCP) consists of weekly psychotherapy appointments that last between 30-45 minutes. These sessions are conducted using Agora, a secure, HIPAA-compliant video conferencing service that is seamlessly integrated into the Talkspace platform application. Therapists will provide evidence-based treatments for depression and anxiety.
Message-Based Psychotherapy (MBP)
Message-Based Psychotherapy (MBP) allows patients to chat with an assigned licensed therapist as frequently as they wish. After consumers complete an intake and select a therapist, the consumer can begin chatting with their therapist right away, and as often as they wish. Therapists respond to text within 15 minutes to an hour during office hours, and within 14 hours outside of office hours. Thus, MBP is not fully synchronous. This enables therapists to deliver care to a larger number of patients than is possible under synchronous methods by disentangling the therapist's time from the patient's time to respond. It also has the potential to improve quality as it gives the therapist time to think through the most effective response and intervention. MBP will be based on CBT, PST or IPT intervention strategies.
Message-Based Psychotherapy with Monthly Video-Chat Psychotherapy
Message-Based Psychotherapy (MBP) with monthly Video-Chat Psychotherapy (VCP) allows patients unlimited texting with their therapist and once a month, 30-45 minute video chat with the same therapist. Therapist and participants schedule their video chat appointment to occur at once a month interval during therapist office hours. The content of these sessions, as well as the MBP portion of care, will be based on CBT, PST or IPT. In Phase 1, this is referred to as "Switch Arm" (for participants assigned to VCP at baseline) or "Minimal Augmentation" (for participants assigned to MBP at baseline). In Phase 2, this is referred to as the "Premium Plan".
Message-Based Psychotherapy with Weekly Video-Chat Psychotherapy
Message-Based Psychotherapy (MBP) with weekly Video-Chat Psychotherapy (VCP) allows patients access to both unlimited MBP, but will be able to schedule weekly, 30-45 minute video chat with the same therapist. Therapists will provide care based on CBT, PST or IPT. In Phase 1, this is referred to as the "Augmentation Arm". In Phase 2, this is referred to as the "Ultimate Plan."
High Monetary Incentive (HMI)
Participants in the traditional, high monetary incentive arm will receive a total of $125 for completing 12 weeks of assessments.
Low Monetary and Alternative Incentive (LMAI)
Participants in the Low Monetary and Alternative Incentive (LMAI) arm received a total of $75 for completing 12 weeks of assessments, messages of encouragement for completing daily assessments, and weekly texts showing participants their clinical improvement and assessment completion rate.
Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria
* English or Spanish speaking
* Live in the United States
* Score of 10 or greater on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) screening
* Receive a diagnosis of depression from a Talkspace intake clinician
Exclusion Criteria
* 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.
18 Years
ALL
No
Sponsors
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University of Washington
OTHER
Talkspace
INDUSTRY
Responsible Party
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Aarthi Padmanabhan
Senior Director of Research
Locations
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Talkspace
New York, New York, United States
Countries
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References
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Pullmann MD, Rouvere J, Raue PJ, Griffith Fillipo IR, Mosser BA, Heagerty PJ, Fridling-Cook N, Padmanabhan A, Hull TD, Arean PA. Message-Based vs Video-Based Psychotherapy for Depression: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2025 Oct 1;8(10):e2540065. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.40065.
Arean P, Hull D, Pullmann MD, Heagerty PJ. Protocol for a sequential, multiple assignment, randomised trial to test the effectiveness of message-based psychotherapy for depression compared with telepsychotherapy. BMJ Open. 2021 Nov 2;11(11):e046958. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-046958.
Provided Documents
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Document Type: Study Protocol and Statistical Analysis Plan
Document Type: Informed Consent Form
Other Identifiers
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STUDY00010391
Identifier Type: -
Identifier Source: org_study_id
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