Earkick App for Caregivers

Overseen By Rongqi Bei

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Michigan

Disqualifiers: Professional caregivers, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

30 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests an AI therapy chatbot app called Earkick to determine its effectiveness in assisting caregivers of people with dementia. The goal is to assess whether the app is user-friendly and beneficial for those providing emotional, physical, or financial support to individuals with dementia. The trial seeks participants who experience high caregiver stress and are comfortable using a smartphone or similar device. Participants cannot be professional, paid caregivers and must understand English, as well as be able to use the internet and text messaging. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance caregiver support.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that the Earkick app is safe for caregivers?

Research shows that the Earkick app is designed to help manage mental health using a personal AI chatbot. For caregivers of people with dementia, this app aims to offer support and improve well-being. As an app, it lacks the physical side effects that medications might cause.

However, potential risks with AI chatbots should be considered. Concerns include the possibility of the AI providing incorrect advice or impersonating a professional. Ongoing discussions focus on using this technology safely and responsibly.

This trial is in a "Not Applicable" phase, meaning the study evaluates the app's practicality and user experience rather than testing for safety risks as in drug trials. Consequently, limited direct safety data is available. Users should consider these points when deciding to participate. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

The Earkick app is unique because it offers a digital tool specifically designed for caregivers to manage their mental health and stress levels. Unlike traditional options, which may include therapy sessions or medication, this app provides real-time monitoring and personalized feedback through a smartphone, making it accessible and convenient. Researchers are excited about this treatment because it leverages technology to deliver immediate support, potentially improving caregivers' well-being more efficiently than existing methods.

What evidence suggests that the Earkick app is effective for supporting caregivers of individuals with dementia?

Research has shown that the Earkick app, which uses artificial intelligence to assist with mental health, can lower stress and boost mood. Users reported feeling 12.25% happier and experiencing 28.45% less anxiety after using the app regularly for 90 days. The app's chatbot understands emotions and offers immediate support, which can enhance overall mental well-being. Although this data is based on studies about general mental health, it suggests that Earkick could also help caregivers of people with dementia by managing their stress and emotional needs. Participants in this trial will use the Earkick app to evaluate its effectiveness specifically for caregivers. ^{3 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Mark Newman, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Michigan

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for informal caregivers of individuals with dementia who feel a high level of burden, as measured by a specific questionnaire. They must speak English, have an Apple device with internet and text messaging capabilities, and be willing to download and use the Earkick AI chatbot app for the study.

Inclusion Criteria

Participants need to be a care partner (informal caregiver) of an individual living with dementia

Participant provides emotional, physical, and/or financial support/assistance to the individual with dementia (per protocol)

Participants indicate high levels of caregiver burden, confirmed using the 12-item Zarit Burden questionnaire (per protocol)

Exclusion Criteria

Professional, paid caregivers

Anything that would preclude safe or meaningful participation in the study

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants use the Earkick AI therapy chatbot application to support care partners of individuals living with dementia

8 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for feasibility and acceptability of the intervention

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Earkick app

Trial Overview The study tests the Earkick app, an AI therapy chatbot designed to support caregivers' well-being. It aims to determine if using this technology is practical and helpful for those caring for someone living with dementia.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Earkick app Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Michigan

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,891

Recruited

6,458,000+

Citations

1. earkick.com earkick.com/research/

Research - Mental Health AI Studies and Publications A detailed case-study uncovering how teenagers actively use Earkick's AI mental health app, highlighting real stories and practical impact on daily stress, ...

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07145723

Supporting Care Partners' Well-Being With Artificial ... The Earkick app will interact with a mental health chatbot. Participants will complete online surveys at the midpoint (4 weeks) and end (8 weeks) of the HMP.

3. earkick.com earkick.com/research/ethical-ai-for-mental-health/

Ethical AI for Mental Health: Earkick's Perspective in 2025 An in-depth look at how Earkick's ethical approach to mental health tools supports fair access, transparent use of data, and honest conversations about ...

4. earkick.com earkick.com/technologies/

Technologies - How AI Earkick Chat Bot Work The advanced AI technology behind Earkick. Learn how our chatbot processes emotions, provides real-time support, and enhances mental well-being.

5. blog.earkick.com blog.earkick.com/continued-use-of-earkick-for-mental-health/

Continued Earkick Use Correlates with Improved Mental ... Notably, substantial improvements began early, with mood rising 12.25% and anxiety decreasing 28.45% within the first 90 days of check-ins. These observations ...

6. earkick.com earkick.com/

Earkick Your Personal AI Chat Bot for Self Care. Measure & improve your mental health in real time with your personal AI chat bot. No sign up. Available 24/7.

7. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-caregivers-8-2025-32bfc

Earkick App for Caregivers This trial is for informal caregivers of individuals with dementia who feel a high level of burden, as measured by a specific questionnaire. They must speak ...

8. blog.earkick.com blog.earkick.com/%D1%81an-therapists-diagnose-dangers-of-chatbots-in-2025/

Сan AI Therapists Diagnose? Dangers of Chatbots in 2025 Are chatbots dangerous and can AI therapy work? What can therapists diagnose, and when should you see a psychiatrist? Here's what you need to know to stay ...

9. earkick.com earkick.com/research/new-laws-same-mission/

New Laws, Same Mission: AI for Mental Health in 2025 They are focused on patient safety, responsible data use, the risk of AI systems impersonating professionals, and the lack of clear national standards. With ...