Improving access to mental health care for minority youth using a digital intervention
Expanding minority youth access to evidence-based care: A pilot effectiveness trial of a digital mental health intervention
This study is looking at how a helpful app called SilverCloud can make it easier for young people from different backgrounds to get support for anxiety and depression, especially after the challenges of COVID-19, by using it in schools to overcome issues like cost and privacy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10867368 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance access to mental health care for ethnic minority adolescents who are experiencing high rates of anxiety and depression, particularly exacerbated by COVID-19. It will evaluate the effectiveness of a digital mental health intervention called SilverCloud, which is a clinician-guided app-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program. The study will focus on understanding how well this digital approach can be integrated into school-based mental health services, addressing barriers such as cost, transportation, and privacy concerns. By utilizing technology, the research seeks to provide a low-cost, accessible solution for youth in need of mental health support.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are ethnic minority adolescents aged 21 and under who are experiencing anxiety or depression.
Not a fit: Patients who are not part of the ethnic minority groups or those who do not experience mental health issues may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve access to effective mental health care for minority youth, potentially reducing rates of anxiety and depression.
How similar studies have performed: While digital mental health interventions have shown promise in other populations, this specific approach targeting minority youth in school settings is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Van Meter, Anna Robinson — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Van Meter, Anna Robinson
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 below.