This study is being done to evaluate the FREE (Freedom to Reach Emotional Empowerment) mobile app and understand whether participants find it useful and engaging. We will examine:

• How participants use and engage with the app and its features over the six-week study period
• Whether using FREE is associated with improvements in mood and emotional well-being
• Whether FREE helps participants engage in HIV care and improve HIV-related health outcomes

The findings will help us understand whether FREE is a feasible and potentially effective tool for supporting emotional well-being and HIV care.

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

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 years of age or older
• Identify as Black/African American
• Identify as a woman
• Living with HIV
• Experiencing moderate-to-severe anxiety or depression
• Not currently enrolled in psychotherapy for mental health concerns
• Able to read English
• Interested in downloading an app onto your personal phone, and have a data plan

Getting Started

• Complete a brief pre-screener
• Join an enrollment call over Zoom
• Complete a baseline assessment remotely in the app
• Join an orientation call

6 Weeks Using the App

• Complete brief check-in surveys in the app twice a day (about 2 minutes each) about how you are feeling
• You will be randomly assigned to one of two groups; one group will also receive personalized supportive messages, educational materials, skills training, and on-demand support through the app

Follow-Up

• Complete a survey remotely at the end of the study
• Take part in a follow-up interview about your experience

Participants may receive up to $200 in Amazon gift cards.

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