Using a mobile app to enhance therapy for teens at risk of severe mood disorders
Official title: App-Enhanced CBT for Adolescents at High Risk for Severe Mood Disorders
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10817156 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to make therapy better for teens aged 12 to 20 who are at risk for serious mood issues, like depression and bipolar disorder, by using a helpful mobile app that reminds them to practice what they learn in therapy and track how they’re feeling.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2021 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $194,832 |
| NIH project number | 5K23MH124015-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10817156 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who are identified as being at high risk for severe mood disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for severe mood disorders or who do not fall within the 12 to 20 age range may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for adolescents aged 12 to 20 who are at high risk for severe mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder and major depression. The study aims to adapt a mobile health application that helps reinforce therapy content, encourages practice of treatment skills, and allows participants to track their thoughts and symptoms. By addressing common barriers like low motivation and forgetfulness, the research seeks to enhance patient engagement and adherence to treatment tasks, ultimately improving therapeutic outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment for adolescents at risk of severe mood disorders, potentially reducing their symptoms and improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using mobile health technologies to enhance therapeutic engagement, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weintraub, Marc Joshua — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Weintraub, Marc Joshua
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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.