RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Evaluating the Impact AI Avatar-led Mental Health Interventions for Keeping Employees in Work

This study is investigating an online program called Remi, which uses an AI avatar to help people experiencing symptoms of depression. It's designed to provide structured, self-guided support over several short sessions that you complete online. We're inviting around 50-80 adults to take part. Participants will be randomly chosen to either start the AI program straight away or to continue with their usual support and get access to the program later. Everyone will fill out questionnaires at the beginning and end to see how their mood, anxiety, and work life might have changed. Some people will also be asked to share their experiences in brief interviews. The main goal is to find out if this AI program can improve mental health and work functioning, and if people find it acceptable and safe to use in the workplace.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Roehampton

Enrolment target

Start

07 Oct 2025

Estimated completion

30 Jun 2026

Depression

What is this study about?

This research study is about exploring new ways to support people's mental health, especially those who might be feeling down or struggling with depression symptoms while working. We know that mental health can have a big impact on daily life, including your work. This study focuses on a new kind of support system that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to help. Think of it like having an online assistant, called Remi, that guides you through exercises and strategies to manage your feelings.

The 'Remi' program uses something called Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) principles, which is a common and effective way to help people understand and change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours. The difference here is that an AI avatar delivers this support online, meaning you can access it at home. The study wants to see if this type of online support can make a real difference in how employees feel and function at work.

We're hoping to learn if this AI-based approach can improve your mood, reduce feelings of anxiety, and help you manage your work responsibilities better. We also want to understand if people find it easy to use, helpful, and safe. This information will be really important for developing new and accessible mental health support options in the future.

Key takeaways

The study explores an online AI program for employees with depression symptoms.
It uses an AI avatar, Remi, to deliver mental health support.
Participation involves online questionnaires and potentially an online program.
The study aims to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and help with work functioning.
It will help researchers understand if this new type of support is helpful and safe.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult aged 18 or older and live in the UK. You should also be currently experiencing symptoms that suggest you might have depression. We'll use a special questionnaire to check if your symptoms fit the study's requirements.

However, this study might not be right for everyone. If you're having serious thoughts about harming yourself or ending your life, this study cannot offer you the support you need, and you would not be able to take part. In such cases, it's really important to seek immediate help from a doctor or other health professional.

Also, if you are already receiving other forms of talking therapy or counselling at the moment, this study would not be suitable for you. This is because we want to see how effective the AI program is on its own, without other treatments influencing the results.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you live in the UK?
Are you currently experiencing symptoms of depression?
Are you NOT currently having serious thoughts of self-harm or suicide?
Are you NOT currently receiving other talking therapies or counselling?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you'll first complete some questionnaires online. These will ask about your mood, anxiety levels, and how you feel about your work. After this, you'll be randomly put into one of two groups. One group will start using the online AI program immediately, completing several short sessions over a few weeks. The other group will continue with their usual daily routine and will get access to the AI program later.

At the end of the study period, both groups will fill out the same questionnaires again. This helps us see if there are any changes. Some participants will also be invited to have a short online chat or interview to share their thoughts and experiences about using the AI program. There are no medications involved in this study. The total time you'd be actively involved in the study – from the first questionnaire to the last – will be several weeks, depending on your group.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer some potential benefits, such as access to a new type of mental health support through the AI program, which could help improve your mood and work functioning. However, as with any study, there could be risks. For example, some people might find the questionnaires or discussing their feelings a bit uncomfortable, even if only for a short time. Your information will be kept private, but there's always a small general risk with online systems. Remember, you can decide to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your care or your relationship with your employer or healthcare providers.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University of Roehampton
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an AI avatar?

An AI avatar is like a computer-generated character that communicates with you. In this study, it will guide you through exercises for your mental health online.

Do I need to be good with computers?

You just need basic computer or smartphone skills to access the online program and fill out the questionnaires.

Will anyone know I'm taking part?

No, your participation and all the information you provide will be kept confidential and private. Your employer will not know if you are participating.

What if I feel worse during the study?

If you feel your mental health is getting worse, it's very important to contact your doctor or a mental health professional for support immediately. This study is not designed for urgent care.

Is the AI program a replacement for a doctor?

No, the AI program is a support tool and does not replace medical advice or treatment from a qualified doctor or therapist. It's an intervention, not a diagnosis or cure.

How to find out more

Laura M Vowels, PhD

laura.vowels@roehampton.ac.uk +447858024296 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.