Culturally adapted online therapy for Arabic-speaking refugee and migrant youth with mental health issues

A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Culturally Adapted iCBT for Arabic-speaking Refugee Youth With Common Mental Health Problems

Not applicable Interventional Karolinska Institutet · NCT06102096

This study is testing a special online therapy designed for Arabic-speaking refugee and migrant youth to see if it can help reduce their mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages15 Years to 29 Years
SexAll
SponsorKarolinska Institutet Academic / other
Locations1 site (Stockholm)
Trial IDNCT06102096 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of culturally adapted internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) in reducing symptoms of common mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, grief, and psychological trauma among Arabic-speaking refugee and migrant youth. Participants aged 15 to 29 will receive the iCBT intervention over a period of 6-10 weeks, with the hypothesis that those receiving the therapy will show significant improvement compared to a control group. The study focuses on addressing the unique cultural needs of this population to enhance psychological well-being and resilience.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are Arabic-speaking youth aged 15 to 29 with a refugee or migrant background who are experiencing common mental health problems.

Not a fit: Patients suffering from severe mental illnesses, substance abuse, or those currently undergoing psychological treatment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve mental health outcomes for Arabic-speaking refugee and migrant youth.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with culturally adapted interventions for diverse populations, indicating potential for positive outcomes in this approach.

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, a tablet or a 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

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.
Conditions Depressive SymptomsAnxietyInsomniaGriefPsychological TraumaResilienceStressMarital Relationship
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.