Telehealth program to help teens with depression
Telehealth Behavioral Activation for Teens
This study tests a telehealth program that helps teens aged 12-17 with depression by teaching them skills to engage in enjoyable activities over eight weeks.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 250 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Baylor College of Medicine Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Houston, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT06273995 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This program utilizes behavioral activation, an evidence-based intervention derived from cognitive-behavioral therapy, to support adolescents aged 12-17 experiencing depression or suicidal ideation. The approach focuses on psychoeducation and skill-building to encourage engagement in enjoyable activities, thereby alleviating depressive symptoms. Conducted via telehealth, the program aims to increase access to mental health care for youth in Texas, where access is critically low. Participants will commit to weekly sessions over eight weeks, with support from caregivers.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 12-17 who are currently experiencing depressive symptoms and are enrolled in the Texas Youth Depression Suicide Research Network.
Not a fit: Patients who are not currently experiencing depressive symptoms or who are outside the age range of 12-17 may not benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve the mental health and quality of life for adolescents struggling with depression.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that behavioral activation is an effective intervention for depressed youth, indicating a promising approach for this program.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Participants must be enrolled in the Texas Youth Depression Suicide Research Network (TX-YDSRN) Registry Study; 2. Be between the ages of 12- 18 or currently enrolled in high school; 3. Have a caregiver that is willing to participate in the program; 4. Be able to commit to weekly sessions for eight weeks; 5. Be currently experiencing depressive symptoms; 6. Be able to participate in telehealth services within the state of Texas; 7. Be willing to provide consent/assent (parents/legally authorized representative (LAR)/guardian or young adult participant, aged 18 or older, must be willing to provide consent; youth, aged 12-17, must be willing to provide assent); 8. Be able to read, write and speak English or Spanish sufficiently to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent to participate in the study; 9. Be willing to dedicate appropriate time to complete scheduled study assessment and measures and attend intervention sessions (both parent/LAR/guardian and youth) 10. Be able to provide a reliable means of contact. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Have an acute medical or psychological condition(s) that that would, in the judgment of the study medical clinician, make participation difficult or unsafe; 2. Have an acute medical or psychological condition(s) that would result in an inability to accurately complete study requirements (e.g., neurological conditions or significant neurodevelopmental concerns); 3. Have active psychotic or manic symptoms resulting in altered mental status and inability to provide assent or requiring immediate attention and/or higher level of intervention; 4. Have a parent/LAR/guardian who is deemed cognitively unable to provide consent (if youth participant, aged 12-17).
Where this trial is running
Houston, Texas
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Emily Bivins, B.S.
- Email: emily.bivins@bcm.edu
- Phone: 713-798-1709
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.