Canine-assisted therapy for youth with emotional and behavioral issues
Evaluating the Impact of a Canine-assisted Therapy Program in Youth Residing in a Residential Treatment Center.
This study is testing if a special dog therapy program can help young people in treatment centers with emotional and behavioral challenges feel better compared to standard treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 48 (estimated) |
| Ages | 8 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Chicago Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Chicago, Illinois and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05840198 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot project aims to evaluate the efficacy of a structured canine-assisted therapy program for youth in residential treatment centers dealing with emotional and behavioral problems. The study involves two groups: one receiving the canine therapy intervention over six weeks and another receiving standard treatment. Participants will engage in dog training activities designed to enhance emotional self-regulation, impulse control, and self-efficacy. The program is delivered by trained professionals and includes various structured activities that progress in complexity throughout the intervention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are youth currently receiving inpatient services at Lawrence Hall or Lydia Home who can participate in the intervention.
Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive, psychiatric, or physical limitations, or those with severe animal allergies or phobias, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve emotional regulation and self-esteem in youth facing mental health challenges.
How similar studies have performed: While canine-assisted therapies are gaining attention, this specific structured approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in similar settings.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Youth must be receiving in-patient services at Lawrence Hall or Lydia Home * Youth must provide informed assent. * Youth must complete at least one of the primary outcomes during the baseline assessment. * Youth must remain in residential care for the duration of the 6-week intervention. * Youth assigned to the Recovery \& Care intervention group must attend at least one of the 6 sessions. Exclusion Criteria: * Severe cognitive, psychiatric, or physical condition or limitation that would prevent participation. * Severe animal allergy * Animal phobia * History of mistreatment of animals.
Where this trial is running
Chicago, Illinois and 1 other locations
- Lawrence Hall Child & Family Treatment Center — Chicago, Illinois, United States (Recruiting)
- Lydia Home — Evanston, Illinois, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Kristen Jacobson, PhD
- Email: kjacobso@bsd.uchicago.edu
- Phone: 773-834-0265
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.