Using dogs to enhance psychotherapy for children and adolescents
Official title: Effects of the Inclusion of a Dog in Psychotherapy on Children's Alliance and Treatment Motivation
Run by University of Basel · NCT05384808 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests if having dogs in therapy sessions can help kids and teens with mental health issues feel more motivated and connected to their therapists.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 9 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Basel Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Basel) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 1, 2022 |
| Main results expected | March 31, 2025 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | July 18, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT05384808 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are children and adolescents aged 9 to 17 who are experiencing psychiatric disorders and have a positive or neutral attitude towards dogs.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with acute psychosis, severe developmental disorders, or those who have a fear of dogs 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 investigates how dogs can be integrated into psychotherapy sessions to improve motivation and therapeutic alliance for children and adolescents aged 9 to 17 with psychiatric disorders. It compares two approaches: one where the dog is actively involved in the therapy and another where the dog is present but not part of the therapeutic context. The goal is to determine the most effective way to utilize canine assistance in therapy to benefit young patients. Participants will include both children and therapists who meet specific eligibility criteria.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance therapeutic outcomes for children and adolescents with psychiatric disorders by improving their engagement and connection with therapists.
How similar studies have gone: While the integration of animals in therapy is a growing field, this specific approach to canine-assisted psychotherapy for this age group is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria for children and adolescents: : * Age between 9 and 17 years * Children are seeing the therapist for the first time * Basic knowledge of child and parents in either German or English to be able to fill in questionnaires * Informed consent given by legal guardian * Positive or neutral attitude towards dogs Exclusion Criteria for children and adolescents: : * acute psychosis; early childhood autism * diagnosed developmental disorder or intellectual delay; if not diagnosed, exclusion when questionnaires cannot be completed due to development level * fear of dogs * allergic reactions to dogs * reported aggressive behavior towards animals in the past Inclusion criteria for therapists: * working with an own therapy dog * completed therapy training or if not completed far advanced therapy training under supervision * working with children and adolescents aged 9 to 17 years Exclusion criteria for therapists: * not working with an own therapy dog * no completed or far advanced therapy training * not working with children and adolescents aged 9 to 17 years
Where it's running
-
University of Basel
Basel, Switzerland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Karin Hediger, Prof. Dr.
- Email: karin.hediger@unibas.ch
- Phone: (+41) 61 207 69 58
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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.