Evaluating Conversational Artificial Intelligence for Depression Management
United States130 participantsStarted 2026-09-15
Plain-language summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate how a conversational method of collecting medical history affects patients' perceptions and experiences compared to clinical care as usual. This conversational AI intake system collects medical history information, can be completed by participants at home, and do not disrupt routine clinical care.
The primary questions this study aims to answer are:
1\) Does conversational intake affect patients' perceptions of empathy during their clinical interactions?
This will be a prospective study that follows a cohort of participants for four (4) months after engaging with the AI intake system. Because each participant serves as his/her own control, both comparators will be administered within-subject, and the order of exposure (AI intake vs. usual care) will be randomized to minimize sequence effects.
After completing the AI intake method, participants will rate their experience, particularly in terms of empathy and compare it to their usual interactions with their own clinicians.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 85 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
1. Participant is between 18 to 85 years old.
2. Participant has been, or are likely to be, diagnosed with moderate to severe Major Depressive Disorder without signs of bipolar depression.
3. Participant is not in active suicidal crisis and do not face imminent risk of suicide within the next 3 hours.
4. Participant is not pregnant or seeking to be pregnant.
5. Participant able to communicate in English on the Internet.
6. Participant must reside in the United States.
7. Participant has access to a mental health clinician, or the participant is willing to see study clinicians to help review the advice and medication adjustments recommended by the AI Intake System to the participant.
8. If the participant is seeing study clinicians, the participant must reside in a state where study clinicians are licensed.
9. Participant must be using a device (phone or computer) that is located in the United States.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Perceptions of empathy
Timeframe: From enrollment up to 4 months after participation