Multi-Sensory Therapy for Emotional Dysregulation
(HEAL-SLOJSC Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
Emotional dysregulation in justice-involved youth (JIY) is a condition that significantly impacts young people, their families, and juvenile justice and public health systems. Affecting an estimated 60-70% of detained Attention deficit hyperactivity disorderadolescents, it is a major driver of aggression, substance use, school failure, and later recidivism. Despite available treatments, managing emotional dysregulation in custody remains challenging, with youth often enduring high arousal, anger, and anxiety that persist into adulthood. Current popular therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), often fall short in detention because they rely on verbal processing, require multiple scheduled sessions, and/or need highly trained staff. Other technologies, like biofeedback and neurostimulation techniques, are still under scrutiny for adolescents, given their higher-than-usual Adverse Events (AEs).
This SoundHeal study aims to evaluate a sensory intervention using the Healpod, a distraction-free physical space where a participant sits, delivering sound, music, gentle vibrations, and ambient light. Following this is a brief expressive journaling exercise to compare any before, during and after experience changes from the sensory immersion.
This prospective, single-center cohort study hypothesizes that these sessions will improve juveniles' ability to emotionally regulate, improve therapeutic alliance, mental health outcomes and build coping skills that can potentially help in long-term mental health and substance abuse treatment in JIY and beyond.
Who Is on the Research Team?
Nishat Bhuiyan, PhD
Principal Investigator
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for detained youth aged 12-18 in SLO County, CA Juvenile Hall who have at least an 8-week stay ahead. They must be able to understand basic English and provide assent with parental consent. Participants should have a history or risk of mental health issues like depression, anxiety, stress disorders, or substance use disorder.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive the SoundHeal intervention using the Healpod 1-2 times per week for approximately eight weeks
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in emotional regulation, therapeutic alliance, and mental health outcomes
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- SoundHeal Multi-Sensory Integrative Therapy
Trial Overview
The SoundHeal study tests a multi-sensory therapy called Healpod aimed at helping justice-involved youth manage emotional dysregulation. It involves sound, music, vibrations, light within the pod followed by journaling to track changes in emotional regulation and mental health outcomes.
How Is the Trial Designed?
1
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Participants assigned to this arm will receive the Heal intervention in addition to standard care provided at the juvenile detention facility. The Heal intervention consists of brief, non-verbal, multi-sensory sessions delivered in a single-person booth (the Healpod), combining sound, music, gentle vibration, ambient light, and immediate expressive journaling or drawing prior to scheduled counseling sessions. All participants receive the intervention one to two times per week for approximately eight weeks, and outcomes are assessed using pre- and post-intervention measures.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
SoundHeal
Lead Sponsor
County of San Luis Obispo - Probation Department
Collaborator
County of San Luis Obispo Health Agency
Collaborator
Unbiased Results
We believe in providing patients with all the options.
Your Data Stays Your Data
We only share your information with the clinical trials you're trying to access.
Verified Trials Only
All of our trials are run by licensed doctors, researchers, and healthcare companies.