DepressionHARMONYNCT07577947
Health And Response: Digital Markers for Outcomes in Perinatal Depression Treatment Study
A study testing Perinatal depression online cognitive-behavioral therapy course and Clinical care (psychotherapy sessions) in people with Depression and Perinatal Depression, run by University of California, Los Angeles at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
The purpose of this study is to determine if the addition of digital sensing data collected from phones and watches during the early stages of perinatal depression (PND) treatment can better predict treatment outcomes than using self-reported symptoms alone.STAND for PND: The UCLA Depression Grand Challenge (DGC) has… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older, women only
- Conditions the study is for
- Depression, Perinatal Depression
- What is being tested?
- Perinatal depression online cognitive-behavioral therapy course and Clinical care (psychotherapy sessions)
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 250 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- 1 May 2026to 1 May 2027
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- Women only
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- At least 18 years of age
- Able to read and communicate in English
- Between 28 weeks pregnant and 12 weeks postpartum
- Moderate-to-severe depression, as defined by Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score ≥11
- Not currently seeing a provider for mental health care
- Own functioning iOS smartphone (iPhone 11 or newer, iOS 18 or newer) with access to reliable data plan and Wifi)
- Able to read and understand a written informed consent form
- Willingness to participate in treatment through the study and follow all study procedures, including providing HIPAA Authorization for research, installing a study app on personal iPhone, and wearing the provided Apple Watch for at least 20 hours every day in the first four weeks of the study (including while sleeping)
Who cannot join
- Currently receiving treatment by a therapist or a psychiatrist
- Unstable suicidality (e.g., 2 or more suicide attempts or self-injurious behaviors resulting in hospitalization in the last 6 months)
- Current substance use disorder that interferes with treatment: specifically, patients meeting diagnostic criteria for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) will be eligible for inclusion only if they are able to attend sessions while not under the influence of that substance, with the exception of individuals abusing opiates or freebase cocaine, who will be excluded
- Principal diagnosis of psychosis unrelated to depression (unipolar or bipolar)
- Neurological conditions
- Severe uncontrolled medical conditions (e.g., anorexia nervosa, cardiac conditions requiring continuous monitoring)
- Cognitive impairment (e.g., developmental disability, dementia)
- Previously participated in the UCLA Depression Grand Challenge "New Moms Mood Tracking \& Wellbeing Study" (IRB #20-001924)
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
United States1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California, 90095
Eliza Congdon, (310)-339-9053, harmonystudy@mednet.ucla.edu
Nelson Freimer, MD
About this study
The purpose of this study is to determine if the addition of digital sensing data collected from phones and watches during the early stages of perinatal depression (PND) treatment can better predict treatment outcomes than using self-reported symptoms alone.STAND for PND: The UCLA Depression Grand Challenge (DGC) has previously developed a technology-assisted, scalable therapy system called STAND (Screening and Treatment for ANxiety and Depression) for perinatal depression (PND) and has demonstrated in an initial randomized clinical trial that this treatment intervention to be as effective as psychiatrist delivered care for PND. In this study, the investigators will administer STAND for PND for up to 12 weeks as part of study participation. There will be no comparison between our treatment intervention and a treatment as usual condition, as this is not a trial of efficacy. In the STAND for PND treatment model, women with moderate symptoms will be routed to coach-guided, digital cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) tailored to PND, which has been demonstrated to be an effective treatment approach for PND. Women with severe depression or suicidality will be routed to clinician delivered CBT, with pharmacotherapy as needed, with both CBT and pharmacotherapy demonstrated to be effective treatment approaches for PND. Symptoms will be regularly monitored throughout the intervention period. Digital Sensing in Depression: The DGC also has substantial experience in large-scale longitudinal digital sensing studies, and experience identifying associations between self-report or clinical ratings of depressive symptoms and digital sensing features, including in pregnant and postpartum women. Digital Sensing in a STAND for PND study: In our previous STAND for PND study, the investigators did not include digital sensing. In this next phase of our research program, the investigators will collect digital sensing data from phones and watches during the first four weeks of study participation. The investigators will enroll up to 250 women during their last trimester or who are in the postpartum period to participate in the 12-week study, which includes treatment provided through the STAND for PND program of care and during which the investigators will obtain 4-weeks of digital sensing data.The investigators will be testing whether behaviors measures through digital sensing (i.e., digital features) in combination with self-reported depression symptoms will better predict treatment outcomes than the self-reported depression symptoms alone. The investigators are testing the hypothesis that prospective longitudinal assessments using digital devices will enhance our ability to predict outcomes of STAND-PND.This project is part of a larger program of research that aims to improve clinical decision-making for PND by establishing a clinical care model for PND that fully integrates digital sensing with digital therapy. An additional objective of this program of research is to target low-income mothers from populations that have had limited access to mental healthcare, given that this population is particularly vulnerable to the impact of PND.
- Conditions
- Depression, Perinatal Depression
- Being tested
- Perinatal depression online cognitive-behavioral therapy course, Clinical care (psychotherapy sessions)
- Keywords
- depression, perinatal depression
- Medical subject headings
- Depression
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Perinatal depression online cognitive-behavioral therapy courseBehavioural
Participants with a recent EPDS score in the moderate range (11-18) and no current suicidality will be given access to a perinatal depression online cognitive-behavioral therapy course (the ParentMood program). Some of the lesson content is presented as illustrated videos. Following each lesson, participants can download a document that summarizes the key information in each lesson, and which includes practical homework exercises that reinforce the content of the lesson. Participants are encouraged to practice their lesson homework for at least one week before starting the next lesson. Lessons will be completed sequentially. Participants have the option of accessing the content through a web-browser. Participants may receive up to 9 coaching sessions with their assigned Coach, in addition to an initial Orientation session, which will occur through secure video conference. The initial Orientation session is required, but the additional coaching sessions thereafter are optional.
Clinical care (psychotherapy sessions)Behavioural
Participants with a recent EPDS score in the severe range (19-30) and/or significant suicidality with intent or means will be given access to a clinical care, which entails weekly psychotherapy sessions. The number and schedule of psychotherapy sessions in the study is determined by the clinical care team. Treatment appointments will occur through secure video conference. If the clinical team believes that consultation with a psychiatrist is warranted, a referral will be made to a UCLA Health clinic (e.g., the MOMS Clinic) for a consultation session and possible pharmacotherapy.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 2 - PND Digital Therapy with Coaching | Active comparator | Participants with a recent EPDS score in the moderate range (11-18) and no current suicidality will be given access to a perinatal depression online cognitive-behavioral therapy course (the ParentMood program). Some of the lesson content is presented as illustrated videos. Following each lesson, participants can download a document that summarizes the key information in each lesson, and which includes practical homework exercises that reinforce the content of the lesson. Participants are encouraged to practice their lesson homework for at least one week before starting the next lesson. Lessons will be completed sequentially. Participants have the option of accessing the content through a web-browser. Participants may receive up to 9 coaching sessions with their assigned Coach, in addition to an initial Orientation session, which will occur through secure video conference. The initial Orientation session is required, but the additional coaching sessions thereafter are optional. Receives: Behavioral: Perinatal depression online cognitive-behavioral therapy course |
| Tier 3 - Clinical Care | Active comparator | Participants with a recent EPDS score in the severe range (19-30) and/or significant suicidality with intent or means will be given access to a clinical care, which entails weekly psychotherapy sessions. The number and schedule of psychotherapy sessions in the study is determined by the clinical care team.
Treatment appointments will occur through secure video conference. If the clinical team believes that consultation with a psychiatrist is warranted, a referral will be made to a UCLA Health clinic (e.g., the MOMS Clinic) for a consultation session and possible pharmacotherapy. Receives: Behavioral: Clinical care (psychotherapy sessions) |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) total score
Self-reported depression symptom severity scores
Measured: From enrollment through the twelve weeks of the study.
Percent change in EPDS scores
Percent change in self-reported depression symptom severity scores (as measured with EPDS)
Measured: From enrollment through the twelve weeks of the study.
Secondary outcomes (2)
Treatment retention, as defined by number of coaching or therapy sessions attended by participants
Measure of treatment retention, as defined by number of coaching or therapy sessions attended. A participant is considered to have been retained in treatment if they completed number of sessions advised by their therapist, or to have not been categorized as dropping from treatment early.
Measured: From week 2 through week 13 of the study
Treatment retention, as defined by whether the participant completed treatment or not
Measure of treatment retention, as defined by whether the participant completed treatment or not
Measured: From week 2 through week 13 of the study
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted11 May 2026
- Study start1 May 2026
- Primary completion1 May 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion1 May 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for DepressionStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by University of California, Los AngelesThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Non-randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 250 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of California, Los Angeles
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Foundation for Women's Health
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Michelle Craske, University of California, Los Angeles
- Investigators
- Nelson Freimer, MD, Principal investigator, University of California, Los AngelesMichelle G Craske, PhD, Principal investigator, University of California, Los Angeles
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07577947
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 25-2121
- Acronym
- HARMONY
- Status last verified
- Jul 2026
- First submitted
- 3 Apr 2026
- Last updated
- 6 Jul 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 6 Jul 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Health And Response: Digital Markers for Outcomes in Perinatal Depression Treatment Study
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07577947
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- HARMONY / 25-2121
- Conditions
- Depression, Perinatal Depression
- Keywords
- depression, perinatal depression
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 250 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of California, Los AngelesUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Foundation for Women's Health
- Study start
- 1 May 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 May 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 1 May 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 11 May 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The purpose of this study is to determine if the addition of digital sensing data collected from phones and watches during the early stages of perinatal depression (PND) treatment can better predict treatment outcomes than using self-reported symptoms alone.STAND for PND: The UCLA Depression Grand Challenge (DGC) has previously developed a technology-assisted, scalable therapy system called STAND (Screening and Treatment for ANxiety and Depression) for perinatal depression (PND) and has demonstrated in an initial randomized clinical trial that this treatment intervention to be as effective as psychiatrist delivered care for PND. In this study, the investigators will administer STAND for PND for up to 12 weeks as part of study participation. There will be no comparison between our treatment intervention and a treatment as usual condition, as this is not a trial of efficacy. In the STAND for PND treatment model, women with moderate symptoms will be routed to coach-guided, digital cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) tailored to PND, which has been demonstrated to be an effective treatment approach for PND. Women with severe depression or suicidality will be routed to clinician delivered CBT, with pharmacotherapy as needed, with both CBT and pharmacotherapy demonstrated to be effective treatment approaches for PND. Symptoms will be regularly monitored throughout the intervention period. Digital Sensing in Depression: The DGC also has substantial experience in large-scale longitudinal digital sensing studies, and experience identifying associations between self-report or clinical ratings of depressive symptoms and digital sensing features, including in pregnant and postpartum women. Digital Sensing in a STAND for PND study: In our previous STAND for PND study, the investigators did not include digital sensing. In this next phase of our research program, the investigators will collect digital sensing data from phones and watches during the first four weeks of study participation. The investigators will enroll up to 250 women during their last trimester or who are in the postpartum period to participate in the 12-week study, which includes treatment provided through the STAND for PND program of care and during which the investigators will obtain 4-weeks of digital sensing data.The investigators will be testing whether behaviors measures through digital sensing (i.e., digital features) in combination with self-reported depression symptoms will better predict treatment outcomes than the self-reported depression symptoms alone. The investigators are testing the hypothesis that prospective longitudinal assessments using digital devices will enhance our ability to predict outcomes of STAND-PND.This project is part of a larger program of research that aims to improve clinical decision-making for PND by establishing a clinical care model for PND that fully integrates digital sensing with digital therapy. An additional objective of this program of research is to target low-income mothers from populations that have had limited access to mental healthcare, given that this population is particularly vulnerable to the impact of PND.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Non-randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 2 - PND Digital Therapy with Coaching | Active comparator | Behavioral: Perinatal depression online cognitive-behavioral therapy courseParticipants with a recent EPDS score in the moderate range (11-18) and no current suicidality will be given access to a perinatal depression online cognitive-behavioral therapy course (the ParentMood program). Some of the lesson content is presented as illustrated videos. Following each lesson, participants can download a document that summarizes the key information in each lesson, and which includes practical homework exercises that reinforce the content of the lesson. Participants are encouraged to practice their lesson homework for at least one week before starting the next lesson. Lessons will be completed sequentially. Participants have the option of accessing the content through a web-browser. Participants may receive up to 9 coaching sessions with their assigned Coach, in addition to an initial Orientation session, which will occur through secure video conference. The initial Orientation session is required, but the additional coaching sessions thereafter are optional. |
| Tier 3 - Clinical Care | Active comparator | Behavioral: Clinical care (psychotherapy sessions)Participants with a recent EPDS score in the severe range (19-30) and/or significant suicidality with intent or means will be given access to a clinical care, which entails weekly psychotherapy sessions. The number and schedule of psychotherapy sessions in the study is determined by the clinical care team. Treatment appointments will occur through secure video conference. If the clinical team believes that consultation with a psychiatrist is warranted, a referral will be made to a UCLA Health clinic (e.g., the MOMS Clinic) for a consultation session and possible pharmacotherapy. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (8 listed)
- At least 18 years of age
- Able to read and communicate in English
- Between 28 weeks pregnant and 12 weeks postpartum
- Moderate-to-severe depression, as defined by Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score ≥11
- Not currently seeing a provider for mental health care
Key exclusion criteria (8 listed)
- Currently receiving treatment by a therapist or a psychiatrist
- Unstable suicidality (e.g., 2 or more suicide attempts or self-injurious behaviors resulting in hospitalization in the last 6 months)
- Current substance use disorder that interferes with treatment: specifically, patients meeting diagnostic criteria for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) will be eligible for inclusion only if they are able to attend sessions while not under the influence of that substance, with the exception of individuals abusing opiates or freebase cocaine, who will be excluded
- Principal diagnosis of psychosis unrelated to depression (unipolar or bipolar)
- Neurological conditions
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Perinatal depression online cognitive-behavioral therapy courseParticipants with a recent EPDS score in the moderate range (11-18) and no current suicidality will be given access to a perinatal depression online cognitive-behavioral therapy course (the ParentMood program). Some of the lesson content is presented as illustrated videos. Following each lesson, participants can download a document that summarizes the key information in each lesson, and which includes practical homework exercises that reinforce the content of the lesson. Participants are encouraged to practice their lesson homework for at least one week before starting the next lesson. Lessons will be completed sequentially. Participants have the option of accessing the content through a web-browser. Participants may receive up to 9 coaching sessions with their assigned Coach, in addition to an initial Orientation session, which will occur through secure video conference. The initial Orientation session is required, but the additional coaching sessions thereafter are optional. | Behavioural | Tier 2 - PND Digital Therapy with Coaching |
| Clinical care (psychotherapy sessions)Participants with a recent EPDS score in the severe range (19-30) and/or significant suicidality with intent or means will be given access to a clinical care, which entails weekly psychotherapy sessions. The number and schedule of psychotherapy sessions in the study is determined by the clinical care team. Treatment appointments will occur through secure video conference. If the clinical team believes that consultation with a psychiatrist is warranted, a referral will be made to a UCLA Health clinic (e.g., the MOMS Clinic) for a consultation session and possible pharmacotherapy. | Behavioural | Tier 3 - Clinical Care |
Primary outcome
Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) total score
Time frame: From enrollment through the twelve weeks of the study.
Self-reported depression symptom severity scores
Percent change in EPDS scores
Time frame: From enrollment through the twelve weeks of the study.
Percent change in self-reported depression symptom severity scores (as measured with EPDS)
2 secondary outcomes
Treatment retention, as defined by number of coaching or therapy sessions attended by participants
Time frame: From week 2 through week 13 of the study
Treatment retention, as defined by whether the participant completed treatment or not
Time frame: From week 2 through week 13 of the study
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 6 Jul 2026.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Nelson Freimer, MD principal investigator
University of California, Los Angeles
Michelle G Craske, PhD principal investigator
University of California, Los Angeles
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Perinatal depression online cognitive-behavioral therapy course and Clinical care (psychotherapy sessions) in people with Depression and Perinatal Depression, run by University of California, Los Angeles at 1 site in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 8 inclusion and 8 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 6 Jul 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Eliza Congdon, PhD ((310)-339-9053, harmonystudy@mednet.ucla.edu), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) total score (time frame: From enrollment through the twelve weeks of the study.). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 6 Jul 2026.