Community-based Psychological Services for Mental Health

(RECOUP-NY Trial)

Overseen By Manaswi Sangraula, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: George Washington University

Disqualifiers: Acute suicide risk, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Approved in 1 Jurisdiction This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 20 weeks

1000 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to assess how community-based mental health services can improve mental well-being. Participants will receive either standard mental health care or a special program called Problem Management Plus (PM+), delivered by trained community staff. The study seeks individuals experiencing depression and related challenges that affect daily life. Participants should have noticeable difficulties due to psychological distress and meet specific criteria on a common mental health questionnaire. Those at acute risk for suicide are not eligible.

As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance mental health support in communities.

Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research has shown that Problem Management Plus (PM+) is generally well-tolerated. In past studies, PM+ was used successfully in various locations, including with Syrian refugees in the Netherlands and individuals in Kenya and Pakistan. These studies aimed to reduce symptoms of common mental health issues and demonstrated positive results without major safety concerns.

One study found that about one-third of adults participating in a group version of PM+ experienced a 50% reduction in depression symptoms. This indicates that the treatment is both effective and safe for most individuals. No major negative side effects were reported in these studies, supporting PM+ as a safe option for those considering joining a trial.

Overall, PM+ has been tested in various groups and settings, proving to be safe and helpful in managing mental health problems. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Unlike traditional treatments for depression that often involve medication or long-term therapy, Problem Management Plus (PM+) is delivered by trained staff from community organizations, making mental health support more accessible and integrated into everyday environments. This approach is particularly exciting because it empowers local communities to actively participate in mental health care, which can lead to more culturally sensitive and immediate support. Researchers are hopeful that PM+ can provide effective, short-term help for those struggling with depression, offering practical problem-solving tools directly within the community setting.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for improving mental health?

Research has shown that Problem Management Plus (PM+), a treatment studied in this trial, can effectively improve mental health. Studies have found that PM+ significantly reduces symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). For instance, a study with Syrian refugees found that PM+ helped reduce common mental health symptoms over a year. Another study demonstrated its success in improving mental health among various groups, including those who have experienced stress. Overall, PM+ offers a strong option for enhancing mental well-being. Meanwhile, participants in another arm of this trial will receive Services as Usual, which involves standard care provided by mental health specialists. ^{1 3 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Brandon A Kohrt, MD

Principal Investigator

George Washington University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals in New York City who are experiencing depression, anxiety, or other psychological distress after SARS-CoV-2. Participants should have a certain score on a health questionnaire and be struggling with daily activities due to their mental state. People at acute suicide risk or without functional impairment cannot join.

Inclusion Criteria

My mental health issues are affecting my daily activities.

Persons with Patient Health Questionnaire 4 scores equal to or above 3

Exclusion Criteria

Acute suicide risk

Patient Health Questionnaire 4 score below 3

I do not have any disabilities that affect my daily activities.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive mental health services through community-based organizations, including Problem Management Plus for those in the intervention arm

20 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for mental health outcomes and adherence to SARS-CoV-2 prevention behaviors

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Problem Management Plus
• Services as Usual

Trial Overview The study tests 'Problem Management Plus', a mental health service, against the usual services provided. It aims to see if this can improve behaviors related to preventing SARS-CoV-2 spread, vaccination uptake, and safe healthcare use among minority and vulnerable groups.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Problem Management Plus Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Persons screening positive for depression will be offered Problem Management Plus delivered by community based organization staff.

Group II: Services as usual Active Control 1 Intervention

Persons screening positive for depression will be referred from community-based organizations. The referrals will be made to mental health specialists who will provide care based on their standard of care.

Problem Management Plus is already approved in United States for the following indications:

Approved in United States as Problem Management Plus for:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Psychological distress related to COVID-19

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

George Washington University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

263

Recruited

476,000+

The New School

Collaborator

Trials

5

Recruited

1,400+

Duke University

Collaborator

Trials

2,495

Recruited

5,912,000+

Human Sciences Research Council

Collaborator

Trials

12

Recruited

33,400+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A randomized controlled trial involving 176 patients with severe mental illness showed that aftercare services provided by trained nurses and general practitioners significantly improved patient outcomes, including psychopathology scores and caregivers' satisfaction over 12 months.

The nurse-led aftercare model was found to be the most cost-effective approach for improving health-related quality of life in patients, making it suitable for Iran's socio-economic context with limited resources.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Clinical outcomes and cost effectiveness of two aftercare models provided by general physicians and nurses to patients with severe mental illness. Malakouti, SK., Mirabzadeh, A., Nojomi, M., et al.[2019]

The study will evaluate the effectiveness of the Problem Management Plus (PM+) program, a 5-session psychological intervention, in reducing psychological distress among patients in Pakistan, with 192 participants randomized to either PM+ plus treatment as usual or treatment as usual only.

Primary outcomes will assess changes in anxiety and depression levels after 20 weeks, providing insights into the efficacy of training non-specialists to deliver psychological interventions in low-resource settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Problem Management Plus (PM+) in the management of common mental disorders in a specialized mental healthcare facility in Pakistan; study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Hamdani, SU., Ahmed, Z., Sijbrandij, M., et al.[2020]

The Group PM+ intervention, a brief psychological support program, was found to be feasible and acceptable for delivery by local non-specialists in an earthquake-affected region of rural Nepal, with 121 participants (83% women) showing good attendance and engagement.

While the study was not designed to measure effectiveness, preliminary results indicated that participants receiving Group PM+ experienced greater improvements in depression symptoms compared to those receiving enhanced usual care, suggesting potential benefits that warrant further investigation in a larger trial.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Feasibility of Group Problem Management Plus (PM+) to improve mental health and functioning of adults in earthquake-affected communities in Nepal. Sangraula, M., Turner, EL., Luitel, NP., et al.[2020]

Current clinical trials for behavioral health interventions often do not monitor adverse events as thoroughly as those for medications and medical devices, focusing mainly on serious incidents like suicide attempts and hospitalizations.

There is a need for expanded monitoring of adverse events in psychotherapy trials to better inform patients about potential risks, including temporary increases in anxiety, which are often overlooked but can impact treatment outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The need for expanded monitoring of adverse events in behavioral health clinical trials. Peterson, AL., Roache, JD., Raj, J., et al.[2012]

A systematic review of 85 randomized controlled trials involving 14,420 participants found that adverse events (AEs) from psychotherapy can affect more than 10% of participants, with serious AEs occurring in more than 1 in 21 participants.

The study highlighted that the reporting and recording of AEs were inconsistent across trials, suggesting a need for standardized harm monitoring to better evaluate the risks and benefits of psychotherapy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adverse events in psychotherapy randomized controlled trials: A systematic review. Klatte, R., Strauss, B., Flückiger, C., et al.[2023]

In a systematic review of 117 studies on psychosocial interventions for childhood mental disorders, only 31% monitored adverse events, highlighting a significant gap in safety reporting.

Among the studies that did monitor adverse events, there was a lack of consistency in how these events were defined and assessed, with only 11% evaluating the causes of the events, which is crucial for understanding the risks associated with these treatments.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Review: Adverse event monitoring and reporting in studies of pediatric psychosocial interventions: a systematic review. Lodewyk, K., Bagnell, A., Courtney, DB., et al.[2023]

Problem Management Plus (PM+) is an effective low-intensity psychological intervention that can be delivered by nonspecialists to help people with common mental health issues, especially in challenging situations.

The adaptation of PM+ for use in Rwanda, Peru, Mexico, and Malawi highlights the importance of tailoring psychological interventions to fit local contexts while preserving their core elements, which is crucial for successful implementation in public health settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adapting Problem Management Plus for Implementation: Lessons Learned from Public Sector Settings Across Rwanda, Peru, Mexico and Malawi. Coleman, SF., Mukasakindi, H., Rose, AL., et al.[2022]

Community mental health services in the UK showed that patients with severe common mental disorders and psychoses improved in their clinical status, indicating effective treatment for these groups.

Conversely, patients with mild to moderate common mental disorders experienced a deterioration in their health after intervention, suggesting that current community mental health strategies may not be effective for this population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Desperately seeking outcomes: quantifying the effectiveness of community mental healthcare using Health of the Nation Outcome Scales. Laugharne, R., Eaves, S., Mascas, A., et al.[2020]

Community-based mental health systems for children and adolescents improve access and effectiveness of services by integrating care within local communities, addressing the rising demand for mental health support.

This model is particularly beneficial in managing costs and resources, making it a promising approach as mental health needs grow in diverse populations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Community-based systems of care for children's mental health services. Pumariega, AJ.[2005]

The safety of psychological interventions is critical, as adverse events (AEs) can occur and must be carefully evaluated to ensure that these interventions do not cause harm before being deemed beneficial.

There is a pressing need for standardized protocols for assessing and reporting AEs in psychological interventions to improve transparency, consistency, and ultimately enhance clinical practice.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Editorial: Primum non nocere - are adverse events accurately reported in studies on psychological interventions for children? Purgato, M., Cortese, S.[2023]

The development of a Mental Health Quality and Safety Framework involved extensive consultations and thematic analysis, resulting in 32 categories grouped into seven key themes aimed at improving mental health services.

The proposed Framework emphasizes a shift from a centralized approach to a more localized model that includes input from frontline staff, consumers, and carers, which is expected to enhance patient safety, clinical outcomes, and staff morale.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A new paradigm for mental-health quality and safety: are we ready? Short, B., Marr, C., Wright, M.[2019]

Problem Based Method groups (PBM) can effectively reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in individuals on sick leave, but Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is more effective overall in addressing mental health issues.

In terms of work ability, CBT demonstrated superior results compared to PBM, significantly improving more aspects of work ability, although both methods showed some positive effects.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Problem-based self-care groups versus cognitive behavioural therapy for persons on sick leave due to common mental disorders: a randomised controlled study. Jansson, I., Gunnarsson, AB., Björklund, A., et al.[2021]

In a study involving 171 depressed, disabled, low-income patients aged 60 and older, both clinical case management (CM) and integrated problem-solving therapy (CM-PST) showed similar effectiveness in reducing depressive symptoms over 12 weeks, indicating that CM alone is sufficient for this population.

The development of problem-solving skills did not mediate the improvement in depression, suggesting that the benefits of CM do not rely on this specific therapeutic approach.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Clinical Case Management versus Case Management with Problem-Solving Therapy in Low-Income, Disabled Elders with Major Depression: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Alexopoulos, GS., Raue, PJ., McCulloch, C., et al.[2022]

Citations

1. tandfonline.com tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/18387357.2025.2522435

The effectiveness of Problem Management Plus (PM+) in ... PM+ significantly improved mental health outcomes, including anxiety, depression, psychological distress and PTSD. These results suggest that PM+ is effective ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11588643/

The effectiveness of Problem Management Plus at 1-year ... This study examined the effectiveness of PM+ in reducing symptoms of common mental disorders at 12-month follow-up among Syrian refugees in the Netherlands.

3. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06988332

Problem Management Plus (PM+) in Chile: a Pilot ... This study aims to evaluate the implementation outcomes of a pilot randomized controlled trial and to assess the preliminary efficacy of Problem Management ...

4. formative.jmir.org formative.jmir.org/2025/1/e59414

A Digital Tool (Technology-Assisted Problem Management ... A digital tool (technology-assisted problem management plus) for lay health workers to address common mental health disorders.

5. onlinelibrary.wiley.com onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/wps.21129

World Health Organization's low‐intensity psychosocial ... These results provide evidence for the effectiveness of PM+ and SbS in reducing distress indicators and promoting positive mental health in populations exposed ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7264859/

Feasibility of Group Problem Management Plus (PM+) to ... Individual PM+ has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing distress in Kenya and Pakistan, and a group version of PM+ (Group PM+) was effective for conflict- ...

7. journals.plos.org journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1003621

Effectiveness of Group Problem Management Plus, a brief ... At 3 months after the intervention, approximately 1 out of 3 adults in Group PM+ had a 50% reduction in depression symptoms compared to 1 out of ...

8. mdpi.com mdpi.com/1660-4601/21/5/527

Comparing Mediators and Moderators of Mental Health ... This mixed methods study utilized data from a randomized effectiveness-implementation trial to examine the mediators and moderators of Group PM+ on mental ...