On-demand and apprenticeship training to help mentors deliver a teen depression-prevention program
Official title: Just-in-Time Training for Youth Mentors: A Strategy for Implementing Evidence-Based Preventive Interventions for Youth in Rural Communities
Run by University of Minnesota · NCT07129070 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether on-demand online modules plus supervised, in-the-moment apprenticeship training helps mentors in rural schools deliver IPT-AST to teens aged 12–17.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 12 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 204 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Minnesota Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 18, 2025 |
| Main results expected | April 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | May 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | April 24, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07129070 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal participants are English-speaking students aged 12–17 who attend a partnering rural middle or high school and whose parent can participate in English or Spanish.
✕Probably not a fit
Youth with moderate-to-severe depression (PHQ-9 > 10), active suicidal intent requiring higher-level care, or youth/parents without the required language skills or not attending a partnering school are unlikely to benefit from this program.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Researchers will pilot a multi-level Just-In-Time Training (JITT-EBP) strategy that combines self-directed online modules, synchronous supervision, and an apprenticeship model where experienced mentors co-lead with novices. The trial compares JITT-EBP to usual mentor training for delivering Interpersonal Psychotherapy-Adolescent Skills Training (IPT-AST) in partnering rural middle and high schools. About 96 adolescents (ages 12–17) and their parents, along with trained mentors and supervisors, will be enrolled to measure usability, feasibility, acceptability, fidelity, and early youth mental health outcomes. The design is a hybrid type 2 effectiveness-implementation pilot focusing on both implementation processes and participant symptom changes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help mentors deliver IPT-AST more reliably in rural schools, improving access to depression prevention and reducing symptoms in teens.
How similar studies have gone: IPT-AST has prior evidence for reducing adolescent depressive symptoms, while the JITT-EBP implementation strategy is novel and is being piloted for feasibility and initial effectiveness.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Youth and Parent Inclusion Criteria: * student at a partnering rural middle school or high school * age 12-17 * have English speaking/reading/writing ability at a level to participate in IPT-AST * youth's parent has English or Spanish-speaking/reading/writing ability at a level to participate in research activities. Youth and Parent Exclusion Criteria: * moderate or severe depression (PHQ-9 \> 10) * active suicidal ideation with a plan and/or intent, requiring higher level of care * Youth does not have English-speaking ability at a level to participate in IPT-AST * youth's parent does not have English or Spanish-speaking/reading/writing ability at a level to participate in research activities. Mentor and Mentor Supervisor Inclusion Criteria: * age 18 or older * have completed the typical mentor or mentor supervisor screening and selection process at partnering mentoring organization (including a background check) * are available to facilitate the program during after-school hours.
Where it's running
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University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Meredith Gunlicks-Stoessel, PhD, LP — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Gracie Meyer
- Email: meye3329@umn.edu
- Phone: 612-625-7240
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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.