Comparing Volunteer-Delivered and Clinician-Delivered Behavioral Activation for Depression in Senior Center Clients Aged 60 and Older

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a simplified form of Behavioral Activation called Do More, Feel Better DMFB, delivered by trained lay volunteers, to help older adults 60 with depression who attend senior centers. This study compares the volunteer-delivered approach to Behavioral Activation provided by masters level clinicians. The goal is to see if the volunteer model can increase activity levels and reduce depression symptoms similarly to traditional clinician delivery, potentially expanding access to mental health support in senior communities. Participants receive either the DMFB intervention delivered by volunteers or the standard Behavioral Activation by clinicians. Both approaches focus on encouraging engagement in enjoyable and rewarding daily activities to reduce depressive symptoms. The study measures changes in activity and depression over several weeks, with assessments at 3, 6, 9, 24, and 36 weeks after treatment begins. Researchers will also explore treatment satisfaction, overall functioning, costs, and factors that affect how well the interventions are delivered and sustained. During the study, participants complete various assessments including depression rating scales HAM-D, activity level scales BADS, disability assessments WHODAS II, and satisfaction surveys. These happen multiple times over a 36-week period. The study monitors participants depression symptoms and activity levels to understand the impact of each intervention. The total participation time extends up to 36 weeks after starting treatment, allowing researchers to observe both short- and longer-term effects.

Lay-Delivered Behavioral Activation in Senior Centers