Therapy for LGBTQ adults and their nonaccepting parents
Official title: Affirmative Family and Individual Psychotherapy for Sexual and Gender Minority Adults and Their Nonaccepting Parents
Run by Yale University · NCT05766592 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether online therapy for LGBTQ adults with nonaccepting parents can help reduce feelings of depression and anxiety.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 3 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 20 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 124 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Yale University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (New York, New York and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 13, 2024 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | January 13, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05766592 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are sexual and gender minority adults aged 20 and older who experience elevated depressive or anxiety symptoms and have nonaccepting parents willing to participate.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients currently receiving frequent mental health treatment or those with active psychosis or suicidality 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 study evaluates the effectiveness of LGBTQ-affirmative cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and attachment-based family therapy (ABFT-SGM) delivered via telehealth to sexual and gender minority adults with nonaccepting parents. Participants will engage in 16 weekly therapy sessions, and the study aims to measure reductions in depressive and anxiety symptoms while exploring the mechanisms behind these changes. The research will also investigate whether the type of therapy is more beneficial based on the level of parental acceptance or rejection experienced by the participants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve mental health outcomes for LGBTQ individuals facing familial rejection.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using affirmative therapy approaches for LGBTQ populations, suggesting potential success for this intervention.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * be 20 and older * be fluent in English * self-identify as lesbian, bisexual, queer, pansexual, or other non-heterosexual identity * currently experience elevated depressive or anxiety symptoms (screened initially using a cutoff of ≥ 2.5 on the Brief Symptom Inventory-4 and further confirmed by the BDI and BAI). * report at least moderate levels of parental rejection or low levels of parental acceptance, as measured using the PARSOS. * have at least one rejecting/nonaccepting parent that agrees to participate in the therapy. * live in New York State, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, or Israel. Exclusion Criteria: * report current mental health treatment ≥1 day/month (except for medication management ≤1 day/week) * report beginning a new medication within the past 30 days * exhibit active psychosis or active mania, as assessed by the SCID-Psych Screen. * exhibit active suicidality or active homicidality, as assessed by the SIDAS * be currently legally mandated to attend treatment * demonstrate gross cognitive impairment, as assessed with the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status * do not have a parent willing to participate
Where it's running
-
Ben-Gurion University Psychotherapy Research Lab
Beersheba, Israel Recruiting -
Yale LGBTQ Mental Health Initiative with the Yale School of Public Health Office
New York, New York, United States Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: John E Pachankis, PhD — Yale University
- Study coordinator: John E Pachankis, PhD
- Email: john.pachankis@yale.edu
- Phone: 646-429-9407
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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.