Training therapists in an executive functioning intervention for children's mental health
Hybrid Effectiveness-Implementation Trial of an Executive Functioning Intervention for Children's Mental Health Services
This study tests if training therapists to use a new program called Unstuck and On Target can help improve thinking skills in children, especially those with autism, compared to another treatment for emotional issues.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 672 (estimated) |
| Ages | 6 Years to 99 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | San Diego State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (San Diego, California and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06651086 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of training mental health therapists in the Unstuck and On Target (UOT) intervention, which is designed to improve executive functioning in children, particularly those with autism spectrum disorder. The study will compare the clinical outcomes of UOT with the Unified Protocol for Children, a transdiagnostic intervention for emotional disorders. It will also assess the implementation of UOT in community mental health settings, focusing on its feasibility and the potential for broader application beyond autism. The goal is to enhance mental health services and outcomes for children facing executive functioning challenges.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include children aged 6-12 years with a documented or suspected autism diagnosis who are receiving psychotherapy services from participating therapists.
Not a fit: Patients who are outside the age range of 6-12 years or do not have a diagnosis of autism or related conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve mental health outcomes for children with autism and related conditions by enhancing their executive functioning skills.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using executive functioning interventions for children with autism, indicating a potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Mental Health Programs: * Publicly-funded * Providing outpatient or school-based psychotherapy services to children * Have at least 8 mental health providers on staff Therapists: * Employed as staff or trainee at a participating program * Employed at the program for at least the next 12 months * Providing psychotherapy services to children * Has an eligible child on current caseload (see below) Autistic Child/Caregiver Participants (enrolled in a dyad with a participating therapist): * Child age 6-12 years * Receiving services from an enrolled therapist * Documented or suspected\* autism diagnosis * In the event of suspected autism diagnosis, the presence of elevated autism symptoms on the Social Responsiveness Scale-2nd Edition or the Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale-2nd Edition Non-Autistic Child/Caregiver Participants (enrolled in a dyad with a participating therapist): * Child age 6-12 years * Receiving services from an enrolled provider * No history of documented or suspected autism diagnosis
Where this trial is running
San Diego, California and 1 other locations
- San Diego State University — San Diego, California, United States (Recruiting)
- University of Colorado - Anschutz — Aurora, Colorado, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Kelsey S Dickson, PhD
- Email: kdickson@sdsu.edu
- Phone: 858-966-7703
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.