Mentalization-based therapy for children and adolescents referred for aggressive or violent behaviour

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

The trial randomises young people referred to Forensic Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (FCAMHS) in England to receive either mentalization-based therapy (MBT) alongside usual support or usual support alone. MBT involves regular sessions with a trained mental health practitioner and may include parents or carers for younger adolescents, with a focus on understanding thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Participants are community-dwelling youth aged 10–17 who show aggression or violence at referral and whose involvement will not interfere with statutory orders. Outcomes will compare changes in aggressive/violent behaviour and related mental health measures over the follow-up period.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 10-17 years at the time of referral;
* Aggression and/or violence are indicated at referral or assessment;
* Participation in the evaluation would not interfere with statutory orders;
* Child and parent/carer (for children 10-15 years) are able to consent and engage with the study materials;
* Living in the community at time of referral and no imminent plans to move to hospital, residential, or secure settings.

Additional inclusion criteria for participants recruited from a clinician's existing caseload:

* There has been no direct contact between child and FCAMHS clinicians, including assessments.
* There has been no indirect therapeutic support provided by FCAMHS e.g. advising non-FCAMHS professionals on therapeutic support.
* It is permissible for the clinician to have previously engaged in consultation activities where these did not involve contact with the child.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age under 10 or age 18 or older at the time of referral;
* No evidence of aggression and/or violence indicated at referral or assessment;
* FCAMHS are only offering a one-off consultation or assessment (e.g., the network around the child requires support to manage risk but additional input is not required);
* Child's level of English is not sufficient to engage in the intervention;
* Child and/or parents/carers refuse to engage with FCAMHS;
* No statutory service is involved in supporting the child;
* No statutory service will agree to hold the child's case open for a minimum of six months.
* Currently involved in another psychological intervention research study.

Where it's running

• Yorkshire and Humber FCAMHS, South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
  Wakefield, Ouchthorpe Lane, United Kingdom Recruiting
• South Central Community Forensic CAMHS Team, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
  Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom Recruiting
• South West (North) Community Forensic CAMHS Team, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
  Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom Recruiting
• The North East and North Cumbria Community Forensic Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service, Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
  Newcastle upon Tyne, Upon Tyne and Wear, United Kingdom Recruiting
• South West FCAMHS, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
  Taunton, United Kingdom Recruiting
• Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
  Southampton, Calmore, United Kingdom Not yet recruiting

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.