Compassion-focused therapy for adolescents in residential care

Unfolding the Wisdom Within: A Clinical Trial Assessing the Impact of a Compassion Based Psychotherapeutic Intervention for Adolescents Placed in Child-welfare-based Residential Care

NA · University of Coimbra · NCT06219057

This study is testing a new compassion-focused therapy program to see if it helps teenagers in residential care improve their mental health and emotional well-being.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages14 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Coimbra (other)
Locations1 site (Coimbra)
Trial IDNCT06219057 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This intervention focuses on developing a compassion-based program specifically designed for adolescents in residential care, who often face significant emotional and behavioral challenges due to histories of maltreatment. The program aims to improve psychological functioning by fostering compassion and addressing mental health difficulties over time. A non-randomized trial will evaluate the program's effectiveness and explore how factors like age, gender, and maltreatment history may influence outcomes. The findings will contribute to creating evidence-based interventions tailored for this vulnerable population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adolescents who have been placed in residential care for at least one month.

Not a fit: Patients with cognitive impairments, psychotic symptoms, or suicidal ideation may not benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly enhance the mental health and emotional well-being of adolescents in residential care.

How similar studies have performed: While existing interventions for this population have shown limited effectiveness, this compassion-focused approach is novel and aims to fill a significant gap in treatment options.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1) Being placed in residential care at least for 1-month (allowing for an adjustment period)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Cognitive impairment (assessed through a clinical interview; MINI-KID);
2. Presence of psychotic symptoms or suicidal ideation (according to the MINI-KID).

Where this trial is running

Coimbra

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Adolescent Behavior, Adolescent - Emotional Problem, child-welfare-based residential care, compassion-focused therapy, adolescence, clinical randomized trial

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.