Creating a program to support mental health for transgender adolescents in schools

Development of a School-Based Prevention Intervention to Promote Adolescent Mental Health Equity

NIH-funded research Boston College · NIH-11031686

This study is testing a new training program for school staff to help create a more supportive environment for transgender teens, with the goal of improving their mental health and reducing feelings of depression and anxiety.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBoston College NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chestnut Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-11031686 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing and evaluating a program called Gender-Affirming School Practices (GASP) aimed at improving mental health outcomes for transgender adolescents. The project will refine an online training for school staff to ensure it meets their needs and is easy to use. Additionally, it will create a detailed plan for implementing this program in schools to promote supportive environments for transgender students. By addressing discrimination and fostering acceptance, the program aims to reduce mental health issues like depression and anxiety among these adolescents.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are transgender adolescents who are experiencing mental health challenges due to discrimination in school settings.

Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as transgender or who are not adolescents may not receive benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the mental health and well-being of transgender adolescents by fostering supportive school environments.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that gender-affirming practices can effectively improve mental health outcomes for transgender individuals, indicating a promising approach.

Where this research is happening

Chestnut Hill, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.