Mental health app for Indigenous youth
Increasing Access to Mental Health Support for 12-17 Year Old Indigenous Youth With the JoyPop Mobile Mental Health App: Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing whether using the JoyPop mental health app can help Indigenous youth in Northwestern Ontario manage their emotions better while they wait for mental health services.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 110 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Lakehead University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Thunder Bay, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT05898516 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of the JoyPop mobile mental health app for Indigenous youth in Northwestern Ontario who are on wait-lists for mental health services. The app aims to improve emotion regulation, a common challenge for youth facing mental health issues. Participants will be randomly assigned to either use the JoyPop app alongside usual practice or receive usual practice alone while waiting for services. The study is conducted in partnership with Dilico Anishinabek Family Care to address the urgent need for accessible mental health support in this population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Indigenous youth aged 12-17 who are on the wait-list for mental health services at Dilico Anishinabek Family Care.
Not a fit: Patients who are not Indigenous or those who do not have access to an iOS device may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this app could provide timely mental health support and improve emotional well-being for Indigenous youth.
How similar studies have performed: While mobile mental health apps have shown promise, this specific approach targeting Indigenous youth is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Indigenous youth must be on the wait-list for mental health services at Dilico Anishinabek Family Care and be between 12-17 years old. * Eligible youth will also need to be available to attend a virtual or in-person orientation session. * In order to download the JoyPop app, participants will need access to an iOS device (e.g., iPhone, iPad). Refurbished iPhones containing just the JoyPop app will be provided to participants to use for the duration of the trial if they do not have access to their own.
Where this trial is running
Thunder Bay, Ontario
- Lakehead University — Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Aislin R Mushquash, Ph.D. — Lakehead University
- Study coordinator: Aislin R Mushquash, Ph.D.
- Email: aislin.mushquash@lakeheadu.ca
- Phone: 807-343-8010
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.