An app-based program to support parents' mental health
BEAM: Building Emotional Awareness and Mental Health in Parenting. An App-based Intervention to Improve Parental Mental Health and Support Children's Brain Development.
This study is testing an app-based program to see if it can help new parents improve their mental health and support their child's development.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 240 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Calgary Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Calgary, Alberta and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06046989 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The BEAM program is designed to address postpartum mental health issues in parents of young children by providing an app-based intervention. This 12-week program includes weekly videos on mental health and parenting, peer coaching from parents with lived experience, and access to a supportive online community. Participants will engage in exercises to practice new skills and have the option to join monthly drop-in Zoom sessions for real-time support. The program aims to improve both parental mental health and child development outcomes through comprehensive assessments before, after, and six months post-intervention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are parents aged 18 and older with a child aged 3-4 years who exhibit clinically elevated symptoms of depression, anxiety, or anger.
Not a fit: Patients who do not show clinically elevated symptoms of mental health issues or have serious genetic or neurological disorders in their child may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve the mental health of parents, leading to better outcomes for both parents and their children.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using digital interventions for mental health support, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Parent is 18 years of age or older * Must have a child who is 3-4 years old * Must show clinically elevated symptoms of depression, anxiety, \&/or anger * Living in the Vancouver or Calgary area * Parent is comfortable understanding, speaking, and reading English Exclusion Criteria: * Parent is under the age of 18 * Does not show clinically elevated symptoms of depression, anxiety, and/or anger * History of attempted suicide or self-harm in the past 6 months * Does not live in the Vancouver or Calgary area * Child has serious genetic, neurological, or neurodevelopmental disorders that impact cognitive function or brain structure/function (e.g., Down Syndrome, epilepsy, etc.), or if they have contra-indications to MRI scanning (i.e., metal implants)
Where this trial is running
Calgary, Alberta and 1 other locations
- University of Calgary — Calgary, Alberta, Canada (Recruiting)
- University of British Columbia — Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (Not_yet_recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen, PhD — University of British Columbia
- Study coordinator: Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen, PhD
- Email: lianne.tomfohrmadsen@ubc.ca
- Phone: 604-822-6382
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.