Enhancing cognitive self-management to improve work and school outcomes in first-episode psychosis
Official title: Enhancing Cognitive and Work/School Outcomes in People With First Episode Psychosis: Testing the Effectiveness of Cognitive Self-Management Strategies
Run by Boston University Charles River Campus · NCT07749105 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This pilot study tests whether adding a cognitive self-management program to standard employment and education services helps young adults with first-episode psychosis find and stay in work or school.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 15 Years to 32 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Boston University Charles River Campus Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (Big Spring, Texas and 3 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 10, 2025 |
| Main results expected | January 31, 2029 |
| Study ends | May 31, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | August 6, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07749105 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are 15-32 years old, in their first 18 months of CSC enrollment, receiving SEE services, not currently employed or enrolled in school, and motivated to work or resume schooling.
✕Probably not a fit
Participants who do not pursue or sustain work or school engagement or who have barriers unrelated to cognition may see limited benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
In this pilot cluster randomized trial, six Coordinated Specialty Care programs will be assigned to either usual Supported Employment and Education services or to those services plus the Cognitive Self-Management (CSM) program. The CSM program trains CSC staff to deliver structured strategies aimed at improving cognition and self-efficacy related to work and school tasks. Training includes online modules and regular supervision, with fidelity monitored through audio/video recordings. The study will examine work and school outcomes, as well as cognitive function and confidence in cognitive skills. Participants are young adults aged 15-32 in their first 18 months of CSC enrollment who want to work or return to school.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help more young adults with first-episode psychosis gain and maintain employment or educational engagement.
How similar studies have gone: Prior efforts using cognitive or self-management strategies in psychosis have shown promise, but this exact approach within SEE programs is novel, with limited equivalent data.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. currently in their first 18 months of enrollment in the CSC program 2. at least 15 years of age 3. receiving SEE services but not employed or enrolled in school 4. have the desire to work or resume school. Exclusion Criteria: 1\) Young adults who are not fluent in english
Where it's running
-
West Texas Centers Promoting Behavioral and Developmental Health
Big Spring, Texas, United States Recruiting -
Pecan Valley Centers for Behavioral and Developmental Healthcare
Granbury, Texas, United States Recruiting -
Border Region Behavioral Health Care
Laredo, Texas, United States Recruiting -
Community Healthcore
Longview, Texas, United States Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Susan R McGurk, PhD — Boston University Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation
- Study coordinator: Susan R McGurk, PhD
- Email: mcgurk@bu.edu
- Phone: 617-353-3549
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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.