Training therapists to provide evidence-based therapies for cancer patients

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This research focuses on training psychotherapists to deliver individualized evidence-based psychotherapies to cancer patients experiencing elevated distress due to their illness or treatment. The intervention includes various therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), tailored to the specific needs of each patient. Participants will engage in therapy sessions over approximately 26 weeks, with therapists selecting treatment components based on the patient's clinical presentation. The study aims to improve health behaviors and reduce psychological symptoms that may hinder recovery.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Patient Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults \> 18 years of age.
* Currently receiving oncology treatment/care at the MGH Cancer Center, including active treatment and/or surveillance.
* Reports elevated levels of distress on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Distress Thermometer \> 3.
* Reports distress or presenting problem is related to patients' illness and/or treatment (e.g., cancer treatment).
* Has a clinical presentation that matches an evidence-based treatment (e.g., CBT-I for insomnia/sleep disturbance) for cancer-related distress per therapist and supervising therapist discretion.
* Located in the state of Massachusetts for the duration of sessions.

Caregiver Inclusion criteria:

* Adults \> 18 years of age
* Currently caring for someone receiving oncology treatment/care at the MGH Cancer Center, including active treatment and/or surveillance
* Reports elevated levels of distress on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Distress Thermometer \> 3
* Reports distress or presenting problem is related to caregiving
* Has a clinical presentation that matches an evidence-based treatment (e.g., CBT-I for insomnia/sleep disturbance) for caregiving-related distress per therapist and supervising therapist discretion
* Located in the state of Massachusetts for the duration of sessions

Patient Exclusion Criteria:

* Has uncontrolled psychosis, active suicidal ideation, or psychiatric hospitalization within the past year (assessed through EHR review and screening session using the QuickSCID-5), indicating the need for tailored treatment referral to specialty mental healthcare outside of psycho-oncology or to a higher level of care such as an intensive outpatient program (IOP).
* Has a cognitive impairment that prohibits participation in the study (assessed through EHR review and screening session).
* Currently participating in group or individual evidence-based psychotherapy treatment or other psychosocial intervention trial.
* Has an alcohol or substance dependence (other than nicotine dependence) in the past 8 weeks (assessed through EHR review and screening session using the QuickSCID-5), indicating the need for tailored treatment referral to specialty mental healthcare outside of psycho-oncology or to a higher level of care such as an intensive outpatient program (IOP).

Therapist Inclusion criteria:

-Current appointment as a clinical psychology fellow or psychiatry resident at the Massachusetts General Hospital or equivalent designation.

Therapist Exclusion criteria:

-Obtained licensure as a clinical psychologist in any state.

Where it's running

• Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center
  Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Jamie Jacobs, Ph.D — Massachusetts General Hospital
• Study coordinator: Jamie Jacobs, Ph.D
• Email: jjacobs@mgh.harvard.edu
• Phone: 617-643-1777

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.