Increasing mental health service engagement among college students in Chennai

Using Financial Incentives and Screening to Increase Engagement With Mental Health Services Among College Students in Chennai, India

Not applicable Interventional Massachusetts Institute of Technology · NCT06887569

This study is testing if offering financial incentives and screening can help college students in Chennai get more involved with mental health services.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment3000 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 30 Years
SexFemale
SponsorMassachusetts Institute of Technology Academic / other
Locations1 site (Chennai, Tamil Nadu)
Trial IDNCT06887569 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of financial incentives and screening interventions to enhance engagement with mental health services among college students in Chennai, India. Conducted in partnership with a women's arts and science college, the study recruits participants directly from classrooms and screens them for eligibility. Participants aged 18 to 30 will complete a baseline survey assessing their mental health perceptions and treatment history. The study employs a randomized controlled trial design with four groups to measure the impact of the interventions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are college students aged 18 to 30 who are present in classrooms and willing to consent to participate.

Not a fit: Patients who are outside the age range of 18 to 30 or those not enrolled in the college may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve access to mental health services for college students, leading to better mental health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in using financial incentives to improve engagement with mental health services, suggesting this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria:

* aged 18-30
* are present in the classrooms,
* consent to participate in the study

Exclusion criteria: None

Where this trial is running

Chennai, Tamil Nadu

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 Depression/Anxiety
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.