Interpersonal counseling for adolescents with depression
Official title: Adolescent Depression Treatment Pathways in Primary Care - a Longitudinal Cohort Study Describing Naturalistic Flow of Treatment and Evaluating Effectiveness and Cost-effectiveness of Interpersonal Counseling Compared to Treatment as Usual
Run by Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare · NCT06390462 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether interpersonal counseling can help teenagers aged 13-16 with mild to moderate depression feel better compared to regular treatment options.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 13 Years to 16 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 9000 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare Government |
| Locations | 4 sites (Hämeenlinna and 3 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 25, 2024 |
| Main results expected | May 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2039 |
| Registry record updated | August 19, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06390462 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 13-16 attending grades 7 to 9 in selected Finnish schools who have not received prior treatment for depression.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who have received psychiatric care or psychosocial interventions in the past 12 months may 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 observational cohort study aims to evaluate the pathways to mental health services for adolescents experiencing mild to moderate depressive symptoms in Finland. Participants, aged 13-16, will complete surveys over six months to assess their depressive symptoms, need for support, and treatment received. The study will also gather information from caregivers to better understand the context of the adolescents' mental health. The goal is to determine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of interpersonal counseling compared to standard treatment options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve access to effective mental health treatments for adolescents with depression.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown success with interpersonal psychotherapy for adolescents, but the specific adaptation of interpersonal counseling being evaluated here is less established.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * we will include all adolescents attending grades 7 to 9 in selected schools with on informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * psychiatric care within the past 12 months or receiving a psychosocial intervention (psychotherapy, IPC-A, any other therapy of support) during the 12 months before baseline, * an inability to reliably understand the Finnish, Plain Finnish, Swedish, or English versions of the survey, or * an adolescents' or caretakers' report of a need for exclusion, such as another medical condition - including a mental disorder - requiring acute current treatment or support.
Where it's running
-
The wellbeing services county of Kanta-Häme
Hämeenlinna, Finland Recruiting -
Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare
Helsinki, Finland Recruiting -
The wellbeing services county of Central Finland
Jyväskylä, Finland Recruiting -
The wellbeing services county of North Ostrobothnia
Oulu, Finland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Outi Linnaranta, MD, PhD — Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare
- Study coordinator: Outi Linnaranta, MD, PhD
- Email: outi.linnaranta@thl.fi
- Phone: +358504327128
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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.