Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 85

Support groups in the Metaverse for Ukrainian refugees

Official title: Support Groups in the Metaverse for Ukrainian Refugees: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Run by University of Bucharest · NCT06142032 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if support groups held in the Metaverse can help improve the mental health of Ukrainian refugees compared to in-person groups and a waitlist.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
Enrollment45 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Bucharest
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bucharest)
StatusRecruiting
StartedDecember 20, 2023
Main results expectedApril 2025
Study endsApril 2025
Registry record updatedDecember 9, 2024
Trial IDNCT06142032 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are Ukrainian refugees aged 18 and older who are seeking mental health support.

Probably not a fit

Patients who are formally diagnosed with a mental disorder or PTSD, or those currently receiving other therapeutic interventions, may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of support groups conducted in the Metaverse for promoting mental health and well-being among Ukrainian refugees. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a Metaverse support group, an in-person support group, or a waitlist control group. Each participant will attend five weekly sessions led by licensed psychologists, with assessments conducted at various intervals to measure outcomes. The study seeks to provide insights into the potential benefits of virtual support in addressing mental health needs.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance mental health support for Ukrainian refugees, making it more accessible and effective.

How similar studies have gone: While the use of virtual environments for support groups is emerging, this specific approach in the Metaverse for Ukrainian refugees is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

\- Part of Ukrainian refugee communities

Exclusion Criteria:

* Younger than 18.
* Not part of the Ukrainian refugee community.
* Formally diagnosed with a mental disorder.
* PTSD
* Currently participating in any ongoing therapeutic intervention or treatment for mental health.

Where it's running

  • University of Bucharest
    Bucharest, Romania
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Cezar Giosan, PhD — University of Bucharest
  • Study coordinator: Cezar Giosan, PhD
  • Email: giosan@outlook.com
  • Phone: +40730908050

Similar studies

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.