Culturally adapted online CBT for Farsi/Dari-speaking young migrants
Culturally and Language-Adapted i-CBT for Common Mental Health Problems: A Randomized Controlled Study With Farsi/Dari-Speaking Migrants
This trial tries a 10-week culturally adapted online cognitive behavioral therapy program to reduce depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and insomnia symptoms in Farsi/Dari-speaking migrants aged 15–29.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 128 (estimated) |
| Ages | 15 Years to 29 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Karolinska Institutet Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Stockholm) |
| Trial ID | NCT06828276 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial will assign Farsi/Dari-speaking migrant and refugee participants aged 15–29 to either a culturally adapted internet-based CBT program or a waiting-list control. The tailored 10-week intervention covers common psychological problems and includes a chat-based support function during the treatment period. Outcomes are measured before treatment, immediately after the 10 weeks, and at 6 months using symptom scales such as the HSCL-25. The program is delivered remotely and requires participants to have stable internet access and a compatible device.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Farsi/Dari-speaking migrants or refugees aged 15–29 with elevated symptoms (HSCL-25 score >1.75), stable internet access and a device, and the ability to commit 6–10 weeks to the program.
Not a fit: Patients with severe mental illness (e.g., psychosis or severe depression), active substance abuse, high suicide risk, or those already receiving psychological treatment are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this online intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could reduce psychological symptoms and improve access to culturally appropriate mental health care for Farsi/Dari-speaking young migrants.
How similar studies have performed: Previous trials of internet-based and culturally adapted CBT have shown reductions in depression and anxiety in refugee and migrant populations, although evidence specific to Farsi/Dari-speaking youth is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Between the ages of 15 and 29. * A score above the cut-off 1.75 on HSCL-25 * Has a refugee or migrant background * Has a good and stable internet connection * Has access to a computer, tablet or smartphone * Is fluent in reading and writing Arabic * Has the ability to dedicate time to take part in the intervention for 6-10 weeks. Exclusion Criteria: * Is suffering from a severe mental illness, such as psychosis or severe depression. * Is suffering from substance abuse * Is undergoing a psychological treatment * Has a high risk of suicide
Where this trial is running
Stockholm
- Karolinska Institutet — Stockholm, Sweden (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Gerhard Andersson, PhD — Linkoeping University
- Study coordinator: Shervin Shahnavaz, PhD
- Email: shervin.shahnavaz@ki.se
- Phone: 0046722154769
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.