Behavioral Medicine

Pathways to Wellness Research Program

David C. Mohr, PhD

The primary focus of the Pathways to Wellness Research Program, a laboratory headed by Dr. Mohr, is to develop and evaluate behavioral interventions that effectively overcome barriers to behavioral and psychological treatments.  The treatment programs provide people with methods of managing depression, anxiety, stress, as well as symptoms of medical illnesses such as fatigue and pain.  We take advantage of existing information and telecommunications technologies, such as the internet and mobile phones, to deliver care in ways that improve accessibility, adherence, and efficacy.  

A second area of interest is the relationship between stress and depression, and medical illness.  In particular, Dr. Mohr has maintained an active research program focusing on the effects of stress on exacerbation and inflammation in multiple sclerosis.

Pathways to Wellness Depression Treatment Study

(funded by the National Institute of Mental Health R01-MH059708)

The primary aim of this study is to examine the relative effects of Cognitive Behavior Therapy administered over the telephone compared to standard face-to-face administration, for the treatment of depression with adults in primary care.

Technology-Assisted Behavioral Intervention for Depression Study (TABI)

(funded by the National Institute of Mental Health R34-MH078922)

This study examines the use of an interactive website with email and phone support that teaches the same Cognitive Behavioral Therapy skills used in face-to-face therapies, for the treatment of depression in primary care patients.

Tele-mental health intervention to improve depression outcomes in CBOCs (TeleVets)

(funded by Veterans Administration HSR&D grant IIR03-069-2)   

This is a randomized controlled trial of telephone-administered cognitive behavioral therapy aimed at treating depression among veterans served by Community Based Outpatient Clinics where mental health treatment is frequently either not available or only minimally available.

Stress and Multiple Sclerosis (SIMS) Study

(funded by the National Institute of Child and Human Development R01 HD043323)

This study examines the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy for stress management in reducing neuroimaging markers of exacerbation and inflammation among patients with multiple sclerosis.

Randomized Controlled Trial Methodology

(unfunded)

Currently we are conducting a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of psychological interventions for depression to examine the effects of specific trial design features, including the choice and design of control conditions, on outcome.

Useful Resources

Self-Injection Anxiety Treatment (Patient Workbook, Clinician Manual, and journal articles)

Barriers to Psychological Treatment (Measure, scoring, and journal articles)