Online training program to improve job skills for young people with mental health conditions

Internet Assisted Career-Oriented Soft-skills Training (iCareer) for Transition Age Youth with Mental Health Conditions: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey · NCT05766280

This study is testing an online training program that helps young people with mental health conditions learn important job skills to improve their chances of finding and keeping a job.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment126 (estimated)
Ages16 Years to 24 Years
SexAll
SponsorRutgers, The State University of New Jersey Academic / other
Locations1 site (Newark, New Jersey)
Trial IDNCT05766280 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of an internet-assisted Career-Oriented Work-Related Soft-skills Training (iCareer) intervention, which incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy, aimed at individuals aged 16-24 with mental health conditions. The goal is to enhance employment outcomes for transition-age youth (TAY) with psychiatric disabilities by teaching essential soft skills such as social, emotional, and problem-solving abilities. The study will assess the feasibility of these training modules and their impact on improving employment participation and success among participants.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 16-24 who have psychiatric disabilities and are interested in enhancing their work-related social skills.

Not a fit: Patients with current neurological diseases, psychiatric instability, or substance dependence may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve employment opportunities and outcomes for young individuals with mental health conditions.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using similar soft skills training approaches for improving employment outcomes in youth with disabilities.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age between 16 and 24 years
2. Must speak English fluently
3. Receiving Individualized Education Program (IEP)/504 Plan or disability services within the past 24 months with primary disability types of psychiatric disability
4. No hospitalizations or suicide attempts within the past 2 months
5. Willing to provide informed consent (if younger than 18, parental consent) to participate in the study
6. Interested in improving work-related social skills

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Current presence of neurological disease or brain injury
2. Psychiatric instability such as gross psychosis or acute suicidality
3. Current alcohol or substance dependence
4. Hospitalization or suicide attempts in the past 2 months

Where this trial is running

Newark, New Jersey

Study contacts

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 Mental Health Wellness 1Mental Health Wellness 2Occupational Problemstransition age youthmental health conditionsemployment
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.