Depression Screening in Black Churches

Screening Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) is an evidence-based approach designed to provide screening, brief intervention, and referral to more intensive treatment for people at risk of developing mental disorders, including depression. SBIRT is composed of three core components: screening with a validated instrument, brief intervention, referral to treatment. Motivational Interviewing (MI) is the brief intervention most commonly used in SBIRT. MI is an empirically tested, person-centered, behavior change intervention designed to guide, elicit, and strengthen motivation for change. Subjects enrolled in the experimental SBIRT arm will receive up to a maximum of six sessions of MI.

We will utilize depression educational brochures describing the nine hallmark symptoms of depression symptoms and the importance of seeking treatment from pamphlets from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Subjects will also receive a list of referral sites in the study's catchment area of Upper Manhattan