A Pilot for Improving Depression Care on College Campuses: Results of the College Breakthrough Series–Depression (CBS-D) Project

OBJECTIVE: To implement a pilot quality improvement project for depression identification and treatment in college health. PARTICIPANTS: Eight college health center teams composed primarily of primary care and counseling service directors and clinicians. METHODS: Chronic (Collaborative) Care Model (CCM) used with standardized screening to identify, treat, and track depressed students for 12 weeks to monitor predetermined process and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Of all students receiving primary medical care services between January 2007 and May 2008, 69% (n = 71,908) were screened for depression. A total of 801 depressed students were treated and tracked; most predetermined treatment process and clinical outcome targets were achieved. CONCLUSION: The CCM for depression shows promise for improving depression identification and care for college students.