Research Projects

Personalized and User-Centered Longitudinal Sensing and Outcomes (PULSO study)

Principal Investigator: Adrian Aguilera and Peter Yiğitcan Washington 

The PULSO project is a pilot study that aims to train Machine Learning models using wearables and ecological momentary assessments. The participants will be using the Empatica EmbracePlus wearable device, which records multiple signals that can detect early indicators of depression and anxiety. Self-reported PHQ-9 and GAD-7 assessments will be used as ground truth labels, ensuring that the AI can predict both depression and anxiety symptoms dynamically. Participants will be in the study for a one-month study period, and they will be prompted every 2 hours during self-reported waking hours to complete remote ecological momentary assessments while wearing the EmbracePlus device. Using this combined data set, we will then develop multimodal deep learning models that use biosignal data as inputs to predict depression and anxiety. The goal of such an AI model is to create personalized digital interventions for individuals experiencing depression and anxiety in the future. 

Improving depression and anxiety self­-management via Spanish language, digital cognitive beavior therapy (dCBT) (SUPERA study)

Principal Investigator: Adrian Aguilera and Stephen Schueller 

The SUPERA project investigates the implementation of an evidence-based, Spanish language, digital cognitive-behavioral therapy (dCBT) intervention (SilverCloud) in safety-net primary care clinics for Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Latinx patients with depression and/or anxiety. This study is an effectiveness-implementation hybrid trial (Type 2) design with both provider and patient-level randomization being conducted. At the provider-level the investigators will compare outreach (using the clinic patient registry) with inreach (traditional provider referral), at the patient-level two modes of delivery of the dCBT platform- peer supported and unsupported will be compared. 

The dCBT application Silvercloud was created by Amwell and has been seen to be affective in other countries like the UK and Colombia. With the help of this app, SUPERA contributes to the continuous work in mobile applications that promotes positive behavior change in mental health and beyond.

For more information visit our ClinicalTrails.gov page. 

Improving diabetes and depression self­-management via adaptive mobile messaging (DIAMANTE study)

Principal Investigator: Adrian Aguilera 

The DIAMANTE project investigates the effect of mobile text messages on engagement in physical activity in participants with diabetes and depression. The project involves participant interviews and user center design methodology in order to inform the development of a combined diabetes and depression text messaging intervention that will be embedded into existing primary care. By designing and testing an adaptive mobile health intervention within a safety net setting, we will increase the likelihood that the vulnerable populations most impacted by diabetes and depression will actually receive the support they need to make significant lifestyle changes, thereby improving their overall health. By targeting both diabetes and depression, our research will lead to services that are responsive to the realities of these comorbid disorders and will likely have greater impact than interventions that focus only on one disease or the other.

Fuerte: An evaluation of a school-based prevention program targeting newcomer Latinx youth at risk for traumatic stress and related disorders. 

Principal Investigator: William Martinez, PhD

The Fuerte program has been implemented within the San Francisco Unified School District in 10 middle and high schools over the past 2 years and served over 100 youth. It is administered within schools in collaboration with SFUSD Wellness Centers, Department of Public Health partners, and community-based behavioral health organizations. While the program is informed by evidence-based practices, no formal evaluation of program outcomes has taken place. The program is currently funded through a Mental Health Services Act Innovations Fund grant through the California Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission to undertake a comprehension evaluation of the program, as well as to adapt it to other immigrant groups. The aims of the program include: 1) a randomized control trial examining health literacy, service linkage, academic, and social-emotional outcomes; 2) creation of a "playbook" based on state-of-the-art frameworks for cultural adaptations of existing prevention and interventions programs; 3) adaptation of the program to other groups of newcomer immigrant populations (e.g., MENA); and 4) an evaluation of systems-level implementation to create a framework for implementation in other counties in California. 

Prinicipal Investigators: 

Yan Leykin, Ph.D.

Ricardo Muñoz, Ph.D.

Untreated depression accounts for more than 11% of the world total disease burden.  Depression is associated with up to 60% of suicide deaths, deteriorating health, and social problems. Most affected individuals are not receiving adequate treatment.  The long-term objective of this project is to address the issue of untreated depression by developing and evaluating an effective Web-based intervention for depression, available at no cost and in multiple languages to depressed and dysphoric individuals anywhere in the world.

The current project is the first step towards that goal.  We have developed a self-contained, interactive, modular, Web-based self-help intervention for depression. The intervention is based on cognitive-behavioral therapy, an empirically supported treatment for depression. Participants from the Internet community are invited to sign up for a customized eight-lesson intervention. This is a proof-of-concept study, with the goal of assessing the degree of interest in and the demand for Web interventions, and to obtain initial information about the effectiveness of this intervention.

Principal Investigator: Adrian Aguilera

Pharmacotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy are efficacious treatments of depression among diverse groups, however adherence to medication, adherence to CBT homework, and appointment attendance are barriers to effective treatment in the community, particularly among low income populations.  This line of research seeks to investigate whether text messaging (SMS) can be used to improve adherence to treatment for depression by sending medication and appointment reminders along with using SMS as a medium for CBT homework completion to reinforce thought tracking and behavioral activation.  This project is currently in the initial feasibility/usability stage in preparation for a randomized trial.

En Espanol: Mamás y Bebés: El Estado de Animo y la Salud

Risk for major depression appears to be transmitted across generations. Pregnancy and the postpartum period are key periods to study because maternal emotion regulation deficits may affect both maternal and child outcomes. Children of parents with emotion regulation problems are at higher risk for developing similar problems over time.

The Mothers and Babies: Mood and Health Project was launched in 1998 by the Latino Mental Health Research Program at the University of California, San Francisco/San Francisco General Hospital. Its aims are: (1) to identify pregnant women at imminent risk for major depressive episodes, and (2) to test whether a cognitive-behavioral intervention reduces risk for maternal depression and improves maternal and child functioning in high risk low-income pregnant English and Spanish-speaking women

This project of the University of California, San Francisco/San Francisco General Hospital Latino Mental Health Research Program is being conducted in collaboration with the University of California, San Francisco Medical Effectiveness Research Center for Diverse Populations (MERC) and the University of California, San Diego.

The Tobacco Related Disease Research Program funded the establishment of the Spanish/English Web Site for Smoking Cessation Trials at www.stopsmoking.ucsf.edu and www.dejardefumar.ucsf.edu.

Click HERE for a complete summary of each phase