Canine-assisted therapy for youth with emotional and behavioral issues
Official title: Evaluating the Impact of a Canine-assisted Therapy Program in Youth Residing in a Residential Treatment Center.
Run by University of Chicago · NCT05840198 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 8 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 48 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Chicago Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Chicago, Illinois and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 24, 2023 |
| Main results expected | December 2025 |
| Study ends | December 2025 |
| Registry record updated | August 17, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05840198 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are youth currently receiving inpatient services at Lawrence Hall or Lydia Home who can participate in the intervention.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: While canine-assisted therapies are gaining attention, this specific structured approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in similar settings.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.