Can an AI voice coach ease depression? new study tests lumen
NCT ID NCT05603923
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether an AI voice coach called Lumen can help adults with mild-to-moderate depression or anxiety. 200 participants were randomly assigned to receive problem-solving training from Lumen, a human coach, or a waitlist. The goal was to see if the AI coach could improve emotional well-being by teaching practical skills to tackle daily problems.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Lumen voice-based AI coach delivering Problem-Solving Treatment (PST)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a convenient, accessible way to help people manage depression and anxiety symptoms without medication or in-person therapy.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase study (200 people) comparing AI coaching to human coaching and a waitlist. Results may not apply to everyone, and the AI may not be as effective as human therapists.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Department of Medicine, Vitoux Program on Aging and Prevention
Chicago, Illinois, 60608, United States
-
UIMC Advanced Imaging Center
Chicago, Illinois, 60612, United States
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