Lay-Delivered Behavioral Activation in Senior Centers
In response to large numbers of senior center clients who suffer untreated depression and the dearth of geriatric mental health providers, the investigators have simplified Behavioral Activation to be delivered by lay volunteers ("Do More, Feel Better"; DMFB). The focus of Behavioral Activation is to guide clients to reengage in daily pleasant and rewarding activities, and reduce depressive symptoms. If the investigators can show that the lay delivery model has positive impact in comparison to MSW-delivered…
Conditions studied
Depression
About this study
In response to large numbers of senior center clients who suffer untreated depression and the dearth of geriatric mental health providers, the investigators have simplified Behavioral Activation to be delivered by lay volunteers ("Do More, Feel Better"; DMFB). The focus of Behavioral Activation is to guide clients to reengage in daily pleasant and rewarding activities, and reduce depressive symptoms. If the investigators can show that the lay delivery model has positive impact in comparison to MSW-delivered Behavioral Activation, the investigators will have identified an effective intervention that can be used by a large untapped workforce of older adult volunteers across the nation.
Interventions
- Behavioral: Volunteer-delivered Behavioral Activation — Behavioral Activation as delivered by trained volunteers
- Behavioral: Master's level clinician-delivered Behavioral Activation — Behavioral Activation as delivered by trained master's level clinicians
Primary outcomes
- Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) (Change from Baseline HAM-D at 3, 6, 9, 24, and 36 weeks after treatment starts)
- Behavioral Activation Scale (BADS) (Change from Baseline BADS at 3, 6, 9, 24, and 36 weeks after treatment starts)
Eligibility information
Study locations
- Brandon Senior Center, Brandon, Florida 33510 United States
- Gardenville Dining & Activity Center, Gibsonton, Florida 33534 United States
- Ruskin Senior Center, Ruskin, Florida 33570 United States
- JL Young Apartments (Senior Housing), Tampa, Florida 33604 United States
- Oaks at Riverview Senior Center, Tampa, Florida 33604 United States
- Jewish Towers Senior Housing, Tampa, Florida 33609 United States
- Town 'n Country Senior Center, Tampa, Florida 33615 United States
- Progress Village Senior Center, Tampa, Florida 33619 United States
- Diana Jones Senior Center, Brooklyn, New York 11206 United States
- Edie Windsor SAGE Center, New York, New York 10001 United States
Showing 10 of 25 reported sites. See the official listing for all locations.
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov. Record last refreshed by Varda Clinical: 2026-09-30.