Cost-Effectiveness of a Web-Based Program for Residual Depressive Symptoms: Mindful Mood Balance

Mindful Mood Balance (MMB) is an effective Web-based program for residual depressive symptoms that prevents relapse among patients with partial recovery from major depressive episodes. This cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted from the health plan perspective alongside a pragmatic randomized controlled trial of MMB.

Adults were recruited from behavioral health and primary care settings in a large integrated health system and randomly assigned to MMB plus usual depression care (MMB+UDC) or UDC. Patients had at least one prior major depressive episode; a current score of 5-9 on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, indicating residual depressive symptoms; and Internet access. Program costs included recruitment, coaching, and MMB licensing. Center for Medicare and Medicaid fee schedules were applied to electronic health record utilization data for psychotropic medications and psychiatric and psychotherapy visits. Effectiveness was measured as depression-free days (DFDs), converted from PHQ-9 scores collected monthly for 1 year. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were calculated with various sets of cost inputs.

A total of 389 patients (UDC, N=210; MMB+UDC, N=179) had adequate follow-up PHQ-9 measures for inclusion. MMB+UDC patients had 29 more DFDs during follow-up. Overall, the incremental cost of MMB+UDC was $431.54 over 12 months. Incremental costs per DFD gained ranged from $9.63 for program costs only to $15.04 when psychiatric visits, psychotherapy visits, and psychotropic medications were included.

MMB offers a cost-effective Web-based program for reducing residual depressive symptoms and preventing relapse. Health systems should consider adopting MMB as adjunctive to traditional mental health care services.