Using a mobile app to help reduce substance misuse among teens
Official title: iKinnect Mobile Technology to Reduce Teen Substance Misuse and Health Disparities
Funded at Evidence-Based Practice Institute, INC. · NIH-11077888 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new mobile app called iKinnect, designed to help teens, especially those from underserved communities, reduce substance use and improve their mental health with support for both them and their families.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Evidence-Based Practice Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,181,728 |
| NIH project number | 5R44DA057122-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11077888 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents under 18 years old, particularly those from Black, Indigenous, and other youth of color communities who are at risk for substance misuse.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not adolescents or those who do not engage in substance misuse or related behavioral issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a mobile application called iKinnect, aimed at reducing substance misuse and improving mental health among adolescents, particularly those from marginalized communities. The app will provide evidence-based practices and support for both youth and their caregivers, utilizing cognitive-behavioral and family therapy approaches. By integrating these methods into a user-friendly platform, the project seeks to address the high rates of substance abuse and related mental health issues in teens, especially in the wake of COVID-19. The app will be tested in various settings to ensure accessibility and effectiveness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a scalable and culturally appropriate tool to significantly reduce substance misuse and improve mental health outcomes for adolescents.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with mobile health interventions targeting adolescent behavioral issues, indicating that this approach has potential for effectiveness.
Where this research is happening
-
Evidence-Based Practice Institute, INC.
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dimeff, Linda a — Evidence-Based Practice Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Dimeff, Linda a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Using a digital platform to help prevent suicide in primary care settings
This study is testing a helpful digital tool called Jaspr Health that will support doctors in primary care clinics to better identify and treat patients at risk of suicide, especially those struggling with alcohol use, so they can provide the best care possible.
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.