Evaluating a meditation app for youth on probation

Effectiveness and Implementation of a Meditation App Addressing Substance Use, Sexual Health, and Emotion Regulation Among Legal-Involved Youth

Not applicable Interventional University of Illinois at Chicago · NCT06997120

This study is testing whether a meditation app can help young people on probation in Cook County improve their mental health and reduce cannabis use over a month.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages13 Years to 20 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Illinois at Chicago Academic / other
Locations1 site (Chicago, Illinois)
Trial IDNCT06997120 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a one-month meditation app designed for youth on probation in Cook County, Illinois. It involves a randomized controlled trial where participants will be assigned to either the meditation app or a control app, with health outcomes measured through self-reports and real-time assessments. The study will explore improvements in behavioral health, particularly regarding cannabis use, and the role of emotion regulation in these outcomes. Adherence to the app will also be monitored through in-app analytics.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are youth aged 13-20 who are on probation in Cook County and have access to a smartphone.

Not a fit: Patients who are not on probation or do not have access to a smartphone may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could lead to improved behavioral health outcomes for youth involved in the legal system.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on mindfulness and meditation, this specific approach targeting youth in the legal system is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 13-20 years old
* In probation programming (i.e., in legal programming but not detained) in Cook County
* Have access to an Apple/Android smartphone
* Understand and provide assent/consent
* Have legal guardian permission (if under 18 years old)
* English-speaking, due to norming of instruments

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois

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 Behavioral HealthJuvenile legal systemMeditationMindfulnessSmartphoneMobile healthEcological momentary assessmentSubstance use
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.