Treatment of Maternal Depression in Home Visitation: Mother and Child Impacts

The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy of In-Home Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (IH-CBT) in comparison to Present-Centered Therapy (PCT), a supportive therapeutic approach. IH-CBT is adapted form of CBT that is provided to depressed mothers participating in ongoing home visitation services. IH-CBT has been adapted to fit the setting, population, and context associated with home visiting. Mothers are recruited at 4 months postpartum. A comprehensive assessment battery is administered at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 6, 12, and 18 months after the end of treatment. It is hypothesized that IH-CBT will be superior to PCT in decreasing depression, improving overall functioning, enhancing parenting effectiveness, and preventing relapse.