Adaptive Mentalization-Based Cross-Sector Support (My Avenue to HelP) for 12–17-year-olds with multiple problems
My Avenue to helP - Adaptive Mentalization-based Integrative Treatment Compared to Management as Usual for Youths With Multiple Problems: a Non-Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial
This project will try a one-year AMBIT-based program that organizes cross-sector support to help 12–17-year-olds with multiple social and mental health problems.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Psychiatric Research Unit, Region Zealand, Denmark Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Roskilde, Region Sjælland) |
| Trial ID | NCT06886165 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
My Avenue to HelP (MAP) is a non-randomized feasibility project testing a one-year Adaptive Mentalization-Based Integrative Treatment (AMBIT) approach delivered by a coordinated network of professionals across sectors. MAP is not a new therapy but a new way of organizing and offering support around vulnerable youths with multiple social and psychiatric problems, compared with management as usual. The research includes two work packages, with WP1 focusing on feasibility questions such as recruitment and evaluation methods and WP2 addressing implementation outcomes over 2025–2027. Outcomes will emphasize practicality of delivering the model, engagement of youths and families, and preliminary signals of benefit rather than definitive clinical efficacy.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are 12–17-year-olds with a documented history of at least two social or behavioral problems plus a diagnosed mental disorder, who can provide appropriate guardian consent for participation.
Not a fit: Young people without multiple social/behavioral problems, without a diagnosable mental disorder, who cannot attend local services, or who require immediate inpatient crisis care are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, MAP could improve coordination across services and foster mentalizing skills that help youths achieve more lasting social and clinical improvements.
How similar studies have performed: AMBIT has been implemented in other settings with promising feasibility and engagement findings, but large randomized trials proving clear clinical superiority are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Criterium A) Documented record of multiple problems defined as at least 2 of the following: (i) Absence from school / non-adherence to education (ii) Risk behaviors like alcohol or cannabis abuse, or repeated suicide attempts or self-harm requiring somatic treatment.(iii) Repeated visits at emergency-, trauma-, or acute wards. And/or one of the following: (iv) Contact with police or legal justice system. (v) Homelessness within the last year. * Criterium B) Age 12-17 years at time of inclusion. * Criterium C) Strong indication of mental disorders defined as a diagnosis of a mental disorder. The type of mental disorders will be further substantiated using the DAWBA after recruitment (Goodman et al., 2000). * Criterium D) Written/signed informed consent from all legal guardians (in most cases both parents) and oral consent from youths aged 15 years and older. Written/signed informed consent from the youths themselves will be collected when they turn 18 if they do so during the study period. Exclusion Criteria: * Indications of substantial intellectual disability corresponding to IQ below 50, or a level of daily and social functions that do not enable participation in research (e.g., if the young person is not deemed to have the capacity to understand the implications of the study and provide oral consent). * Not living in Region Zealand.
Where this trial is running
Roskilde, Region Sjælland
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Department, Psychiatry Region Zealand — Roskilde, Region Sjælland, Denmark (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Pia Jeppesen, Professor, MD — University of Copenhagen and head of the Research Department in the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Region Zealand
- Study coordinator: Pia Jeppesen, Professor, MD
- Email: pijep@regionsjaelland.dk
- Phone: +45 58538002
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.