Creating a mobile health app to help young adults with alcohol misuse and suicidal thoughts
Official title: Development and Evaluation of an Avatar Guided Mobile Health for Emerging Adults
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-10906238 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a fun and interactive app for young adults aged 18-21 who are dealing with alcohol misuse and mental health challenges, like feeling down or having suicidal thoughts, to help them learn new skills and get support right when they need it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R00AA029154-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10906238 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are emerging adults aged 18-21 who have experienced alcohol misuse or suicidal thoughts.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 18-21 or those without issues related to alcohol misuse or suicidality may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a mobile health (mHealth) intervention specifically designed for emerging adults aged 18-21 who struggle with alcohol misuse and related mental health issues, such as suicidal thoughts. The approach involves creating an interactive, avatar-guided app that provides education, skills training, and personalized feedback to help users monitor their mood and behaviors. By utilizing technology, the research aims to bridge the gap between emergency department visits and outpatient care, ensuring that young adults receive the support they need in a timely manner.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce alcohol misuse and suicidal behaviors among young adults, leading to improved mental health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using mobile health interventions for mental health support, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kelly, Lourah Marie — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Kelly, Lourah Marie
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.