Peer-led family support intervention for refugee families

Leveraging Implementation Science and Design Methods to Sustain Community-based Mental Health Services for Refugees

NA · University of Illinois at Chicago · NCT06261463

This study tests a new support program led by peers to help refugee families in Chicago improve their mental health and strengthen their family connections.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment74 (estimated)
Ages12 Years to 55 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Illinois at Chicago (other)
Locations1 site (Chicago, Illinois)
Trial IDNCT06261463 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot trial evaluates the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of the Coffee and Family Education and Support (CAFES2) intervention, which is designed for refugee families facing mental health challenges. The intervention is peer-led and focuses on strengthening family dynamics and social support through group sessions. The study aims to adapt the CAFES model to meet the unique needs of refugee families in Chicago, utilizing community partnerships and human-centered design methods. By assessing the implementation strategies and barriers, the trial seeks to enhance the delivery of mental health services in community settings.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are refugee families from specific Middle Eastern countries living in Chicago for less than three years, with at least one adult caregiver and one child aged 12 or older.

Not a fit: Patients who do not meet the geographic or demographic criteria, or those with severe mental health issues or developmental disabilities, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve mental health outcomes and family dynamics for refugee families.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using peer-led interventions for mental health support in refugee populations, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
To participate in the study, the families must meet the following criteria:

1. Country of origin: Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine or Yemen
2. refugee family living in Chicago \< three years
3. Contains at least one adult caregiver (18-55) and at least one of their children (age 12 and older) living in one household
4. One family member with \> 3 on the GHQ-12
5. able to give written informed consent.

Exclusion criteria for refugee families:

1. Not from one of the following Arabic-speaking countries in the Middle East: Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen
2. men and women who do not have least one child aged 12 years and older living in one household
3. arrived in the U.S as a refugee greater than 3 years ago
4. persons with developmental disabilities which would preclude their participation in the adapted CAFES intervention
5. persons with severe mental health (e.g., suicidality psychotic disorder), active substance use or current in family crisis (e.g., domestic violence, divorce proceedings).

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois

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: Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Family Dynamics, Social Functioning, Family Support, Family Relations

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.