Peer-delivered illness self-management program for college students with serious mental illnesses

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Taking Action Planning for College Students With Serious Mental Illnesses

NA · Temple University · NCT06700902

This study tests if a peer-led program called Taking Action can help college students with serious mental illnesses manage their condition better and improve their academic performance.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorTemple University (other)
Locations1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT06700902 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research investigates the effectiveness of a peer-delivered illness self-management program called Taking Action for college students experiencing serious mental illnesses such as Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and Schizophrenia. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the Taking Action program or a control group receiving only informational support. The program consists of five 2.5-hour sessions delivered online, focusing on improving mental health self-management skills and academic outcomes. The study aims to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and clinical benefits of the program through interviews conducted at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are college students aged 18 and older currently enrolled in a postsecondary institution in the U.S. who are experiencing serious mental illnesses.

Not a fit: Patients expected to graduate within two semesters or those unable to provide informed consent may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve mental health management and academic performance for college students with serious mental illnesses.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in peer-delivered interventions for mental health, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Currently enrolled in a 2- or 4-year postsecondary educational institution in the United States (and are able to present a valid student ID card)
* Experiencing a serious mental illness, as operationalized by either:
* A score of 13 or higher on the K-6 Screening Scale for serious mental illness
* Self-reported psychiatric diagnosis of schizophrenia-spectrum or major affective disorder and self-reported lifetime functional impairment due to experiencing mental health challenges
* 18 years of age or older
* Have consistent access to a computer or smartphone and the Internet for communications
* No prior WRAP or Taking Action education

Exclusion Criteria:

* Expected to graduate or complete their program within 2 semesters
* Unable to provide informed consent

Where this trial is running

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Taking Action, Recovery, Wellness, Serious Mental Illness, College Students

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.