Teleo Virtual Therapy for Anxiety Disorders

Not yet recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Jesse A Barrera, BA

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Stanford University

Disqualifiers: Intellectual disability, Autism, Psychotic disorders, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 12

Duration: 12 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how well children engage with therapy using a new virtual platform called Teleo compared to regular video calls like Zoom. The goal is to determine if Teleo can improve therapy for young people with mood or anxiety disorders. Participants will be divided into two groups: one using Teleo and the other using standard video conferencing. This trial may be suitable for those diagnosed with a mood or anxiety disorder, who speak English well enough for therapy, and are about to start therapy at one of the study sites. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative therapy methods that could enhance future mental health treatments.

Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that the Teleo virtual therapy platform is safe for children undergoing psychotherapy?

Research has shown that virtual therapy platforms like Teleo are generally safe for home use. However, clear safety guidelines for virtual therapy have not yet been established. Some therapists express concerns about risks for certain clients and potential technology issues. Despite these concerns, many therapists find that Teleo increases patient involvement. Specifically, 89% of therapists report that using Teleo boosts engagement, which is linked to better treatment outcomes for anxiety and mood disorders. Overall, while detailed safety data is unavailable, the platform is designed to be secure and enhance therapy for children. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about Teleo virtual therapy for anxiety disorders because it offers a fresh approach by using a specialized video platform designed specifically for therapeutic interactions. Unlike standard videoconferencing tools like Zoom or Microsoft Teams, Teleo is tailored for therapy, potentially enhancing the therapeutic process and outcomes. This approach may make therapy more accessible and effective by focusing on the unique needs of mental health treatment, setting it apart from traditional in-person or generic video call-based therapies.

What evidence suggests that the Teleo virtual therapy platform is effective for anxiety disorders?

Research has shown that online cognitive behavior therapy (ICBT) effectively treats anxiety and depression, leading to significant improvements. Studies have found that virtual reality therapy, a type of online treatment, reduces anxiety in people with anxiety disorders. Telehealth, including online therapy platforms like Teleo, performs as well as face-to-face therapy for managing anxiety and related issues. In this trial, participants will use either the Teleo virtual therapy platform or standard videoconferencing platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Teleo is designed to enhance remote therapy for children, making it a promising option for those with anxiety disorders. Overall, virtual therapy methods, such as Teleo, hold strong potential for effectively treating anxiety. ^{1 2 5 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

David S Hong, MD

Principal Investigator

Stanford University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for children experiencing anxiety or mood disorders, including depression. It's designed to see if a virtual therapy platform called Teleo can help them more than standard videoconferencing used in psychotherapy.

Inclusion Criteria

Scheduled to begin therapy at one of the study sites

I have been diagnosed with a mood or anxiety disorder.

I am fluent in English for psychotherapy sessions.

Exclusion Criteria

Comorbid diagnosis of intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, psychotic disorders, high-risk suicidal behaviors requiring immediate hospitalization, substance use disorders, or other physical or mental condition that would prohibit them from engaging in telehealth settings.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo therapy for 12 sessions using either the Teleo virtual therapy platform or standard video platforms

12 weeks

12 virtual sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for long-term outcomes such as treatment duration and medication use

1 year

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Teleo

Trial Overview The study compares two types of telehealth: the Teleo virtual therapy platform and standard videoconferencing. The goal is to determine which method increases patient engagement during psychotherapy sessions for youth.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Teleo Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants in this arm will undergo therapy for 12 sessions using the Teleo virtual therapy video platform. Sessions will be recorded and questionnaires and clinical data will be measured.

Group II: Standard Videoconferencing Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants in this group will undergo therapy for 12 sessions using standard video platforms (e.g. Zoom or Microsoft Teams). Sessions will be recorded and questionnaires and clinical data will be measured.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Stanford University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2,527

Recruited

17,430,000+

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Collaborator

Trials

3,007

Recruited

2,852,000+

MainSquare Co. (dba 'Teleo')

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

40+

Citations

1. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34860613/

The effectiveness of telehealth versus face-to ... For effectively treating anxiety and related conditions, interventions delivered by telehealth appear to be as effective as the same therapy delivered ...

2. med.stanford.edu med.stanford.edu/psychiatry/news/new-funding-announcement/teleo.html

Researchers at Stanford Psychiatry awarded grant to research ... Teleo is developing a HIPAA-compliant virtual therapy room for children with the goal of improving how clinicians deliver remote teletherapy to children.

3. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-mood-disorders-6-2024-65f1e

Virtual Therapy for Anxiety and Mood Disorders Internet delivered cognitive behaviour therapy (ICBT) has been shown to be effective for treating anxiety and depression, with large clinical improvements and ...

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11904249/

Effectiveness of virtual reality therapy in the treatment ... The current findings suggest that VR therapy interventions have a positive effect on improving the anxiety state of patients with anxiety disorders.

5. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-anxiety-disorders-8-2025-b5fec

Teleo Virtual Therapy for Anxiety Disorders It's designed to see if a virtual therapy platform called Teleo can help them more than standard videoconferencing used in psychotherapy. Inclusion Criteria.

6. reporter.nih.gov reporter.nih.gov/search/f87G3bxuOEWA0P60NA-r7g/project-details/10922556

Engagement and clinical impact of the Teleo virtual therapy ... Abstract – MainSquare Co. (dba “Teleo”) is developing a HIPAA-compliant virtual therapy room for children that transforms how clinicians deliver ...

7. teleo.space teleo.space/

Teleo - Virtual Therapy Room & Therapy Resources 89% of therapists say Teleo improves engagement - which research shows improves outcomes for anxiety, depression and SUDs