Testing a mentoring program for youth mental health

Investigating an Innovative Mentoring Model for Improving Effectiveness and Equity of Community-Based Support for Youth From Low-Resource Families With Mental Health Challenges

Not applicable Interventional University of Illinois at Chicago · NCT06534827

This study is testing whether a mentoring program can improve the mental health of kids aged 9 to 16 from low-income families who are already getting mental health support.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment180 (estimated)
Ages9 Years to 16 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Illinois at Chicago Academic / other
Locations1 site (Chicago, Illinois)
Trial IDNCT06534827 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the Great Life Mentoring (GLM) program's impact on the mental health and adaptive functioning of school-age youth aged 9 to 16 from low-income families who are receiving outpatient mental health services. A total of 180 participants will be randomly assigned to either continue with standard mental health services or to receive those services alongside the GLM program. The study will involve annual surveys of the youth, their parents or guardians, and therapists, as well as the collection of mental health service records with appropriate permissions. The goal is to determine if the GLM program enhances mental health outcomes compared to standard care alone.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are youth aged 9 to 16 who are receiving publicly-subsidized outpatient mental health care.

Not a fit: Patients whose primary language is not English or who have cognitive difficulties that prevent them from completing assessments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve mental health outcomes for youth from low-income families.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with similar mentoring approaches, suggesting potential for success in this intervention.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Youth is between 9- and 16-years-old
* Youth meets eligibility criteria for the Great Life Mentoring program, which include receiving publically-subsidized outpatient mental health care

Exclusion Criteria:

* Parental primary language other than English
* Youth difficulties in cognitive functioning that would preclude ability to complete study assessments

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.
Conditions Mental Healthmentoringmental healthyouthlow-incomemental health interventions
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.