Center M Randomized Trial
Key facts
- Who runs it
- Oregon Health and Science University
- Where
- Portland, United StatesSee the site
- Trial code
- Status
- Recruiting
- People taking part
- 160 people, planned
- Started
- 15 Jan 2026
- Expected to end
- Nov 2027
- Type of study
- Interventional, 2 groupsOne group gets no study treatment, for comparison.
- Treatments tested
- Center M
- Record updated
- 12 November 2026
Who can take part
- Age
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- Women only
- Healthy volunteers
- Can take part
The registry criteria, word for word
Show all 10 criteriaShow less
Who can take part
- Currently pregnant at ≥ 12 weeks of gestation age (GA)
- ≤ 34 weeks GA at time of Center M intervention initiation
- Receiving prenatal care through the Center for Women's Health at Oregon Health \& Science University
- Able to fluently understand, speak and read English
- Available, able and willing to attend online group sessions
- Willing and able to receive home practice materials on an accessible smartphone, tablet or computer
- Residing in Oregon or Washington
- Willingness to participate in either randomization arm
Who cannot take part
- Current or past enrollment in a formal mindfulness-based intervention group
- Score in the "severe" range on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) (≥ 20) or Patient History Questionnaire (PHQ-9) (≥ 20)
Where in United States
- Oregon Health Science UniversityPortland, United StatesContact: Ellen Tilden, PhD, CNM, FACNMTaking people
About the trial
What the trial wants to find out
This is a randomized controlled trial with an intervention of Center M compared to treatment as usual. Center M consists of weekly digital one-hour group sessions led by a trained therapist aligned with mindfulness based cognitive therapy. Changes in perinatal depression symptoms will be compared between groups.
The 2 groups in the trial
- Center MTreatment being tested
In addition to standard prenatal care, participants will participate in Center M sessions, which are weekly one-hour digital group sessions led by a therapist. Each group will include 3-6 participants. The Center M session structure aligns with mindfulness-based cognitive therapy by including mental well-being, core mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy skills, in-session practice of skills, and home practice skills. Center M content teaches skills that increase capability for effectively navigating general life stress and the unique stresses of pregnancy and parenting.
- Treatment as Usual (TAU)No study treatment, for comparison
Those randomized to TAU will receive prenatal care as it is standardly delivered in their provider's clinical setting, including perinatal screenings and related educational handouts. Participants will be able to engage in any services recommended by their primary prenatal provider or that they voluntarily initiate, including mental health treatment. Participants will not be proscribed from engaging in other recommended interventions or care.
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Contact the study team: see the registry record → Contacts and Locations
Print a page for my doctorData and sources
- Registry record
- Listed on ClinicalTrials.gov.
- Record updated
- 12 November 2026