Group skills training for youth at risk of psychosis

Testing the Feasibility of a Skills Group for Adolescents and Young Adults at Clinical High-risk for Psychosis

Not applicable Interventional University of Pittsburgh · NCT05398120

This study is trying out a group program that teaches important skills to help teens and young adults at risk of psychosis feel better and manage their stress.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages13 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Pittsburgh Academic / other
Locations1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT05398120 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study tests the feasibility of a group intervention that combines cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) skills for adolescents and young adults at clinical high-risk for psychosis. Participants aged 13-18, who are already receiving services from the HOPE team at the University of Pittsburgh, will attend weekly 90-minute sessions for 15 weeks. The sessions will focus on mindfulness, stress management, self-disturbance improvement, and social skills development. Data will be collected to assess the feasibility and potential outcomes of this integrated approach.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 13-18 who meet criteria for clinical high-risk for psychosis and are enrolled in the HOPE team at the University of Pittsburgh.

Not a fit: Patients with a current or past diagnosis of a psychotic disorder will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could provide effective skills training to help at-risk youth manage symptoms and improve functioning.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is exploratory, similar interventions combining CBT and DBT have shown promise in other populations, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Participant Inclusion Criteria:

* 13-18 years of age
* Meet criteria for clinical high-risk syndrome (i.e., at clinical high risk for developing a psychotic disorder). CHR status is determined based off of scoring a 3 (moderate) - 5 (severe) on the Structured Interview for Psychosis-Risk Syndromes and/or having a first degree relative with psychotic disorder and/or the individual meets criteria for schizotypal personality disorder. Additionally individuals with a brief intermittent psychotic symptoms can be included as well (e.g., frankly psychotic symptoms that are very brief)
* Individuals must be enrolled in the HOPE team at the University of Pittsburgh since this group is embedded within that service

Participation Exclusion Criteria:

* Group member meeting criteria for a current/past psychotic disorder

Inclusion Criteria for Parents or Legal Guardians:

* Must be the parent, legal guardian of a 13-18 year-old
* For parents of CHR adolescents, their adolescent must meet criteria for a psychosis-risk syndrome

Where this trial is running

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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 Clinical High-RiskPsychologicalGroup interventionDialectical behavioral therapy skillsCognitive behavioral therapy skillsPsychosis-risk
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.