Improving mental health support for youth in schools
Official title: Adaptive multi-tiered school-based prevention to promote youth mental health and create equitable and sustainable systems of care
Funded at University of Oregon · NIH-11091020 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to improve mental health support for middle school students, especially those in underserved areas, by teaching skills for managing emotions and building better family and school relationships.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oregon NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Eugene, United States) |
| Project start | May 7, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $740,107 |
| NIH project number | 1P50MH139449-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11091020 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are middle school students and their families, particularly those from underserved communities experiencing mental health challenges.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not in middle school or who do not have access to the participating schools may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a school-based prevention model aimed at enhancing mental health services for adolescents, particularly in underserved communities. It employs a sequential multiple armed randomized trial (SMART) design to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions that focus on emotional regulation, family relationships, and school climate. By involving both schools and families, the project seeks to create a sustainable system of care that addresses the mental health needs of youth. The study will recruit middle schools and assess the impact of the Inclusive Skill-building Learning Approach (ISLA) on students' mental health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve access to mental health services for adolescents, leading to better emotional well-being and academic performance.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with school-based mental health interventions, indicating that this approach has the potential to be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oregon
Eugene, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stormshak, Elizabeth a — University of Oregon
- Study coordinator: Stormshak, Elizabeth a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
An integrated mobile health program to reduce SAVA and mental health problems among female sex workers in Kenya
A new mobile health program aims to help female sex workers in Kenya avoid substance abuse, violence, HIV, and depression by delivering group therapy, online resources, and a peer discussion space.
-
Adolescent girls in Uganda: a long-term look at how money empowerment and family support affect HIV prevention, care, and mental health
A long-term study in rural Uganda will test whether an intervention that combines economic empowerment and family strengthening can help HIV-negative and HIV-affected adolescent girls move safely into young adulthood.
-
Long-term HIV prevention and mental health support for adolescent girls and young women in Uganda
A long-term program in rural Uganda tests if combining economic support and family strengthening helps teenage girls stay HIV-free and improve mental health as they grow into young adults.
-
Johns Hopkins Total Worker Health Center focusing on mental health
A nationwide center at Johns Hopkins is working to improve mental health and well-being among workers by studying workplace health strategies and translating findings into practical tools.
-
Maternal mental health help to protect kids’ breathing health
A mother-focused mental health program is tested to see if improving moms’ mood can also support better breathing and fewer asthma symptoms in children.
-
SNEngage: How Social Networks and Supports Shape Mental Health Care for Black and Latino Individuals with Serious Mental Illness
A long-term study following Black and Latino individuals with serious mental illness to learn how their social networks affect engagement with mental health services and overall well-being.
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.