Reducing stigma around mental illness in schools to encourage adolescents to seek help

Implementation of mental illness anti-stigma research evidence in the school system to promote help-seeking using a pilot hybrid type III trial with adaptive randomization and digital dissemination

NIH-funded research Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10949898

This study is all about helping teenagers feel more comfortable talking about their mental health in schools by using fun digital tools to teach principals and teachers how to support them better.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionColumbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10949898 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to address the significant issue of mental health stigma among adolescents, particularly in school settings. By implementing evidence-based anti-stigma interventions, the project seeks to educate school principals and health educators on how to effectively promote help-seeking behaviors among students. The approach includes the use of digital technology to enhance the delivery of mental health education, making it more accessible and engaging for youth. The goal is to create a supportive environment that encourages adolescents to seek the mental health care they need.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents, particularly those from racial/ethnic minority backgrounds or lower socioeconomic statuses, who may be experiencing mental health challenges.

Not a fit: Patients who are not adolescents or those who do not face stigma-related barriers to seeking mental health care may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to increased help-seeking behaviors among adolescents, ultimately improving their mental health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that education-based anti-stigma interventions can effectively reduce stigma and promote help-seeking among youth, indicating a promising approach.

Where this research is happening

New York, 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 2026-06-13 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.