Training program to improve access to community therapies for mental health
Evaluation of Training Curriculum and Service of Improving Access to Community Therapies
This study is testing a training program to see if teaching new mental health skills can help people with depression and anxiety get better support in their communities.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 330 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Mind Mental Health Hong Kong Limited Academic / other |
| Locations | 21 sites (Hong Kong and 20 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06111820 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates a training curriculum aimed at teaching low-intensity psychological interventions, specifically focusing on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). The program includes a 120-hour intensive training followed by a nine-month placement for participants who are bachelor's degree holders. The effectiveness of the training will be assessed through role-play examinations and focus groups, while the outcomes of the interventions delivered by the trainees will be evaluated in individuals experiencing mild to severe symptoms of depression and anxiety. The study aims to enhance the quality of mental health services in the community.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18-65 with mild to moderate depression or various anxiety issues.
Not a fit: Patients with high severity depression, imminent risk, or specific psychiatric disorders such as OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve access to effective mental health therapies for individuals suffering from depression and anxiety.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar low-intensity psychological interventions, indicating a promising approach to mental health treatment.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 18-65 years old adults with any of the following problem(s): * Anxiety problem (including social, generalised, health anxiety, work anxiety) * Mild to moderate depression * Other emotional challenges including (but not limited to) low self esteem, perfectionism, mild anger issues, interpersonal or relational challenges, low motivation, lack of purpose, numbness. Exclusion Criteria: Adults with the following features/ presentations are not eligible for the PWP programme and should automatically lead to an onward referral: * High severity on the depressive score (PHQ9 \>= 20) * High or imminent risk (according to scores on PHQ9 question no. 9 and information emerging at triage assessment, including indication of plan and action or the lack of protective factor) Individuals with any of the following diagnoses or situations are also excluded: * Obsessive-compulsive disorder * Post-traumatic stress disorder * Bipolar disorder * Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders * Dissociative disorders * Personality disorders * Eating disorders * Gender dysphoria * Paraphilic disorders * Anger issues as primary presenting concern (without anxiety or depression) * Sleep issues as primary presenting concern (without anxiety or depression) * Substance-related disorders * History of trauma or abuse that is considered highly relevant to the current presenting problem they are seeking support for * Planned changes to psychotropic medication during the period of PWP intervention * Currently receiving regular psychological counselling or support from another practitioner. * Diagnosis of a learning disability, cognitive impairment or neurodevelopmental condition that would impair their ability to engage with a structured, manualised intervention (e.g. untreated ADHD or moderate-severe brain injury) * Clients with unstable or unsafe home environments (e.g. domestic abuse) * Clear safeguarding concerns requiring multi-agency support (e.g. concerns about child abuse or neglect)
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong and 20 other locations
- Aberdeen Kai-fong Welfare Association Services Centre — Hong Kong, China (Recruiting)
- Baptist Oi Kwan Social Service — Hong Kong, China (Recruiting)
- Cedar Communications Ltd — Hong Kong, China (Recruiting)
- Central Health — Hong Kong, China (Recruiting)
- Central Minds — Hong Kong, China (Recruiting)
- Fu Hong Society — Hong Kong, China (Recruiting)
- HKU Lap-Chee College — Hong Kong, China (Recruiting)
- HKUSPACE PLK Stanley Ho Community College — Hong Kong, China (Recruiting)
- Hong Kong Physically Handicapped and Able-Bodied (PHAB) Association — Hong Kong, China (Recruiting)
- KUNST EXA Academy — Hong Kong, China (Recruiting)
- LU Institute of Further Education — Hong Kong, China (Recruiting)
- Mind Mental Health Hong Kong Limited — Hong Kong, China (Recruiting)
- Mindset — Hong Kong, China (Recruiting)
- PathFinders Hong Kong — Hong Kong, China (Recruiting)
- Run HK — Hong Kong, China (Recruiting)
- Society for Community Organisation (SoCO) — Hong Kong, China (Recruiting)
- St. John's Cathedral Counselling Service — Hong Kong, China (Recruiting)
- The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups — Hong Kong, China (Recruiting)
- The Mental Health Association of Hong Kong — Hong Kong, China (Recruiting)
- WYNG Foundation — Hong Kong, China (Recruiting)
- Yuen Long Town Hall — Hong Kong, China (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Candice LYM Powell — Mind Mental Health Hong Kong Limited
- Study coordinator: Jacky Chow
- Email: jacky.chow@mind.org.hk
- Phone: +852 9145 2584
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.