Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina are studying an accelerated form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a treatment that affects emotion regulation and brain activity.

You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Ages 18-65
• Experiencing symptoms of depression
• Willing to travel to Charleston, SC for 16 in-person visits
• Willing to use a medically accepted form of birth control if applicable
• Able to undergo an MRI (no claustrophobia or non-removable metal objects in the body)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Dependent on any substances
• Currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant soon
• Neurological conditions (e.g., epilepsy, seizures, migraines)
• Neurodevelopmental conditions (e.g., ADHD, autism)
• Vision impairment (able to either see naturally or with glasses/contacts)

Visits 1–4: (In-Person)

• Consent and psychological assessment
• Pre-treatment MRI and EEG sessions, including MRI/EEG sessions with tasks

Visits 5–9: CBT Treatment Week (In-Person)

• 5 consecutive days of CBT treatment, with 6 CBT lessons per day with a licensed clinician
• Participants spend approximately 4–6 hours at the MUSC campus each treatment day

Visits 10–13: (In-Person)

• Therapy conclusion
• Post-treatment MRI and EEG sessions, including MRI/EEG sessions with tasks

Visits 14–16: (Follow-Up)

• 1, 2, and 3-month follow-up assessments
• Visit 14 in person; Visits 15–16 virtual

Compensation is available to those eligible.

There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.