Peer support to help adolescents and young adults with sickle cell manage pain using cognitive behavioral therapy
Peer suppoRt for adolescents and Emerging adults with Sickle cell pain: promoting ENgagement in Cognitive behavioral thErapy
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-11193912
This project offers digital cognitive behavioral therapy plus peer support to help Black adolescents and young adults (ages 16–30) with sickle cell disease manage pain and stress.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11193912 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would use a digital CBT program tailored for young people with sickle cell disease, and some participants will receive personalized peer support delivered through community-based organizations to help stay engaged. The team will run a multisite randomized trial comparing digital CBT with and without peer support and follow participants over time. Researchers will track pain levels, mood, healthcare use, and how often you use the program. Participation will involve online sessions, contact with trained peers, and periodic questionnaires and medical record checks.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Black adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease, ages roughly 16 to 30, who experience recurrent pain or pain crises and can use digital tools.
Not a fit: People younger than 16 or older than 30, those without sickle cell disease, or those unable or unwilling to use a digital program or participate in peer support are unlikely to benefit from this trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reduce pain and stress, improve mood, and help young people with SCD rely less on emergency care and opioids.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier smaller studies have shown digital CBT can be feasible and helpful for people with SCD and that personalized support can boost engagement, but this larger multisite trial will test the approach more rigorously.
Where this research is happening
PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH — PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ROLLMAN, BRUCE LAWRENCE — UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- Study coordinator: ROLLMAN, BRUCE LAWRENCE
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.