Evaluating Process of Change in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Depression

Description

This study will compare two psychological treatments for major depressive disorder (MDD): cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Both treatments are well-studied and supported by evidence as effective options for people experiencing depression. These treatments will be delivered in an online group format via Zoom. The study will enroll up to 100 participants with depression. Half of the participants will receive online group CBT and half will receive online group ACT. There will be up to 10 members in each group. For both conditions, treatment will be provided over 8 weeks, with a 6-month follow-up period. Enrollment will be ongoing and groups will occur simultaneously. Potential participants are asked to complete an initial screening and an intake evaluation to determine eligibility. They will then receive 8-weeks of treatment. Participants will complete self-report questionnaires throughout their time in the study.

Conditions

Depression

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

This study will compare two psychological treatments for major depressive disorder (MDD): cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Both treatments are well-studied and supported by evidence as effective options for people experiencing depression. These treatments will be delivered in an online group format via Zoom. The study will enroll up to 100 participants with depression. Half of the participants will receive online group CBT and half will receive online group ACT. There will be up to 10 members in each group. For both conditions, treatment will be provided over 8 weeks, with a 6-month follow-up period. Enrollment will be ongoing and groups will occur simultaneously. Potential participants are asked to complete an initial screening and an intake evaluation to determine eligibility. They will then receive 8-weeks of treatment. Participants will complete self-report questionnaires throughout their time in the study.

Researching and Improving Psychotherapy Techniques in Interventions for DEpression (RIPTIDE)

Evaluating Process of Change in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Depression

Condition
Depression
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Los Angeles

University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States, 90007

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) according to DSM-V criteria (APA, 2013)
  • * 18 years of age or older
  • * access to a private location with a stable internet connection and a working video camera
  • * lives in California
  • * able to understand and speak English
  • * able and willing to give informed consent
  • * current diagnosis other than MDD if it constitutes the predominant aspect of the clinical presentation and if it requires treatment other than that being offered
  • * clear indication of secondary gain (e.g., court ordered treatment)
  • * current suicide risk or significant intentional self-harm in the last six months sufficient to preclude treatment on an outpatient basis.

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

University of Southern California,

Iony D Ezawa, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, University of Southern California

Study Record Dates

2026-01