Depression Treatment Laboratory
Research
What works and for whom in the treatment of depression?
To answer this question is the primary aim of the Depression Treatment Laboratory. Please read on to learn more about our current research efforts to do so.
“What works” in the treatment of depression?
Surprisingly little is known about the mechanisms of change in psychological treatments for depression, and this lack of knowledge has limited efforts to improve them. Our lab uses naturalistic datasets and complementary experimental studies to investigate the therapeutic processes that lead to cognitive and symptom change in psychotherapies for depression. Right now, we are most interested in understanding the process of change in (face-to-face and digital) cognitive behavioral therapy.
Which treatment processes work best “for whom” in the treatment of depression?
It is critical to ensure that psychological interventions are provided in ways that can meet the needs of a diverse society. Therefore, we are examining moderators of treatment effects to understand which treatment processes work best for whom. This information will then be used to examine how current treatments may be adapted to meet the needs of different patients, especially those from minority backgrounds.