Single-session solution-focused consultation to boost mental health treatment engagement.
Official title: Improving Mental Health Treatment Engagement of Patients With Comorbid Chronic Diseases: A Randomized Controlled Evaluation of the Feasibility and Preliminary Effectiveness of a Single-Session Solution-Focused Consultation (SSC) in a Community Setting
Run by Nanyang Technological University · NCT07116655 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will try a one-time solution-focused consultation to see if it helps patients with chronic physical illnesses and symptoms of anxiety or depression begin and stay engaged with mental health services.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 21 Years to 99 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Nanyang Technological University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Singapore) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 26, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2026 |
| Registry record updated | June 26, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07116655 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Patients receiving community-based care for chronic physical diseases in Singapore who have at least mild anxiety or depression symptoms (PHQ-9 or GAD-7 ≥5), are fluent in English, are not currently in formal mental health services, and do not have psychosis or intellectual disability.
✕Probably not a fit
People with a history of psychosis, intellectual disability, pervasive developmental disorders, those already in formal mental health care, non-English speakers, or those needing intensive psychiatric treatment are unlikely to benefit from this single-session approach.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This feasibility study delivers a single-session solution-focused consultation (with a supportive single-session option) to patients treated in community healthcare settings who have chronic physical diseases and elevated anxiety or depression scores. Eligible participants must score 5 or more on the PHQ-9 or GAD-7, be conversant in English, not currently engaged in formal mental health services, and have no history of psychosis or intellectual disability. The brief consultation focuses on setting practical goals and steps to access mental health care, and service uptake and engagement are tracked after the session. Outcomes include feasibility measures such as acceptability and uptake, plus preliminary changes in mental health service engagement.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this brief approach could help more people with chronic illnesses access and continue mental health care using a low-resource intervention.
How similar studies have gone: Single-session and solution-focused brief interventions have shown some promise for improving engagement and symptoms in other settings, but evidence is mixed and this approach is relatively under-tested for patients with chronic physical comorbidities in Singapore.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. A history of one or more chronic physical diseases based on the Ministry of Health (Singapore) Chronic Disease Management Programme guidelines; 2. A score of 5 or more on the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) or Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7); 3. Not currently engaged in formal mental health service; 4. Conversant in the English language; 5. Receiving treatment in a community healthcare setting Exclusion Criteria: 1. A history of psychosis, intellectual disability, or pervasive developmental disorders
Where it's running
-
Renal Health Services
Singapore, Singapore Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jacqueline L. Tilley, PhD
- Email: jacqueline.tilley@nie.edu.sg
- Phone: +65 67903202
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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.