Group skills training for youth at risk of psychosis
Official title: Testing the Feasibility of a Skills Group for Adolescents and Young Adults at Clinical High-risk for Psychosis
Run by University of Pittsburgh · NCT05398120 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 13 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Pittsburgh Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 26, 2022 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | February 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05398120 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a current or past diagnosis of a psychotic disorder will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: While this approach is exploratory, similar interventions combining CBT and DBT have shown promise in other populations, suggesting potential for success.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
Bellefield Towers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Leslie Horton, PhD — University of Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Tina Gupta, PHD
- Email: guptat3@upmc.edu
- Phone: 412-246-5845
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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.