Study of a PST-Trained Voice-Enabled Artificial Intelligence Counselor(SPEAC) for Adults With Emotional Distress (Phase 2)

Approximately 200 Participants with mild-to-moderate, untreated depression and/or anxiety will be randomly assigned (by chance, like flipping a coin) to 1 of 3 study groups: Lumen Coached Problem-Solving Treatment (PST) (n=100), Human Coached PST (n=50), and optional (delayed) Lumen Coached PST as waitlist control (n=50) to improve emotional health. All participants will complete assessments at baseline and at 18 weeks post randomization. Depending on the group assignment the PST program will be delivered by Lumen, a virtual voice-based coach on a study iPad, or by a human coach in person for the first session and then via videoconference or phone for the remaining 7 sessions. Participants assigned to the waitlist control group can receive the Lumen coached PST on a study iPad after completing their 18-week follow-up assessment. Participants will receive 8 coaching sessions to learn problem-solving skills and work on unresolved problems in daily living that may be interfering with their emotional well-being and contributing to depression and anxiety symptoms.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age: ≥ 18 years * Emotional distress defined by elevated depressive (PHQ-9 scores 10-19) and/or anxious symptoms (GAD-7 scores 10-14) * Willing and able to provide informed eConsent and HIPAA authorization Exclusion Criteria: * Unable to speak, read, or understand English for informed consent * Current pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy (individual or professionally led group therapy) for depression or anxiety (note: participants are not withdrawn post-randomization if they begin pharmacotherapy drugs or start psychotherapy during the study.) * Suicidal ideation per PHQ-9 with active plan * Bipolar or psychotic disorder, or current psychiatric treatment * Weight ≥325 pounds due to brain scanner constraints, MRI contraindications, traumatic brain injuries, and tumor or any other known structural abnormality in the brain * Severe medical condition (e.g., myocardial infarction or stroke or new cancer diagnosis in the past 6 months, end-stage organ failure, terminal illness) or residence in a long-term care facility * Diagnosis of cancer (other than non-melanoma skin cancer) that is/was active or treated with radiation or chemotherapy within the past year * Active alcohol or substance use disorder (including prescription drugs) based on the CAGE Questionnaire Adapted to Include Drugs (CAGE-AID) * Cognitive impairment based on the Callahan 6-item screener * Current or planned pregnancy or lactating (\