Improving mental health access for children at risk of trauma
Family Connections: A Community-Based Approach to Expanding Mental Health Access and Engagement for SED Youth
This study is testing a new program that helps children aged 3 to 18 who are at risk for trauma get better access to mental health support and care.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Ages | 3 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Cambridge Health Alliance Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cambridge, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT06662357 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The Family Connections initiative aims to address disparities in mental health treatment access for children aged 3 to 18 who are at risk for childhood trauma and serious emotional disturbances. This program utilizes mobile clinical and family support teams to enhance mental health outcomes for these children. By integrating care within the Cambridge Health Alliance system, the initiative seeks to provide comprehensive assessments and interventions for those identified with mental health or substance use needs. The approach is designed to be innovative and responsive to the unique challenges faced by at-risk youth.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this initiative are children aged 3 to 18 who are enrolled in MassHealth and have been referred by their primary care physician due to concerns about mental health or substance use.
Not a fit: Patients who are not enrolled in MassHealth or are over the age of 17.5 years will not benefit from this initiative.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this initiative could significantly improve mental health outcomes for children facing emotional disturbances and trauma.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar initiatives targeting mental health access for children have shown promise in improving outcomes.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 3 through 18 years (17½ years maximum at time of enrollment) * Referred by Primary Care Physician's (PCP) from one of the three Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) primary care intervention sites to the Family Connections team for an integrated child mental health and/or substance use disorder clinical assessment. * Positive screen on CHA's standard pediatric mental health and substance use screening instruments, and/or parental concern about possible mental health/substance use needs, and/or PCP concern about possible mental health/substance use needs * Enrolled in MassHealth Exclusion Criteria: * Subjects over 17.5 years (SAMHSA data collection required at 6 and 12 months after enrollment which must occur before age 18 years.) * Youth who are not enrolled in MassHealth * CHA patients with PCP located at CHA primary care site other than the identified intervention sites
Where this trial is running
Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Cambridge Health Alliance — Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Katherine E Grimes, MD, MPH — Cambridge Health Alliance
- Study coordinator: Katherine E Grimes, MD, MPH
- Email: katherine_grimes@hms.harvard.edu
- Phone: 617-806-8718
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.