Just-in-Time Training for Depression

Overseen By Gracie Meyer

Age: Any Age

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Minnesota

Disqualifiers: Moderate depression, Severe depression, Suicidal ideation, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new training method for mentors assisting teens with depression in rural areas. The aim is to determine if this "just-in-time" online training, known as Just-In-Time Training for Youth Mentors, surpasses usual training methods in delivering a depression prevention program called Interpersonal Psychotherapy-Adolescent Skills Training (IPT-AST). Eligible teens should be students at a rural middle or high school and should not have moderate or severe depression. Mentors and their supervisors will participate to assess if this training enhances their ability to deliver the program effectively. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to advance innovative training methods that could improve mental health support for rural teens.

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

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

What prior data suggests that this Just-In-Time Training implementation strategy is safe for youth mentors?

Research shows that mentoring programs can positively impact mental health. Studies indicate they often help reduce symptoms of depression and other emotional issues in young people. This new trial employs a Just-In-Time Training method for mentors. Although specific safety data for this method is not yet available, mentoring programs have generally been safe and beneficial in the past. Participants have reported improvements in mental health and well-being. The method includes online training and support, which has proven effective and safe in similar contexts. No significant risks are known. It is important to note that this trial focuses on evaluating the new training method, rather than testing a new medical treatment. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Just-In-Time Training for Youth Mentors because it offers a fresh approach to aiding adolescents with depression. Unlike traditional methods that might rely on scheduled therapy sessions, this training provides mentors with real-time strategies and skills through Interpersonal Psychotherapy-Adolescent Skills Training (IPT-AST). This immediate, on-the-go support can empower mentors to address challenges as they arise, potentially leading to more timely and effective interventions for young people. By enhancing the mentors' ability to respond quickly, this approach could fill gaps left by standard treatments, which often don't provide such immediate, adaptable support.

What evidence suggests that this trial's Just-In-Time Training for Youth Mentors could be effective for depression prevention?

Research has shown that youth mentoring programs can help reduce emotional and behavioral issues, such as anxiety and depression. Studies indicate that mentoring can boost self-esteem and lessen depression in young people with learning disabilities. Additionally, single-session programs have significantly eased depression and anxiety in youth. In this trial, one group of mentors will receive on-demand support and guidance, known as just-in-time training, which has been linked to fewer depression and social problems among the young people they mentor. Another group will receive usual training. Overall, mentoring, especially with timely support and training, appears promising in addressing mental health challenges in adolescents. ^{2 3 4 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Meredith Gunlicks-Stoessel, PhD, LP

Principal Investigator

University of Minnesota

Lindsey Weiler, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Minnesota

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adolescents aged 12-17 who are dealing with depression or anxiety, and their parents. Mentors and mentor supervisors in rural communities will also participate to learn how to implement evidence-based practices effectively.

Inclusion Criteria

Youth must have English speaking/reading/writing ability at a level to participate in IPT-AST

Youth's parent must have English or Spanish-speaking/reading/writing ability at a level to participate in research activities

I am between 12 and 17 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

Youth's parent without English or Spanish-speaking/reading/writing ability at a level to participate in research activities.

Youth without English-speaking ability at a level to participate in IPT-AST

I am a young person with thoughts of suicide, including a plan or intent, needing more intensive care.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Training

Mentors and mentor supervisors undergo self-directed, on-demand, online training modules and synchronous evidence-based supervision strategies

12 weeks

Online modules and virtual supervision sessions

Implementation

Implementation of Interpersonal Psychotherapy-Adolescent Skills Training (IPT-AST) using the Just-In-Time Training (JITT-EBP) strategy

12 weeks

In-person and virtual sessions with mentors and adolescents

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for effectiveness and satisfaction with the IPT-AST program

12 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Just-In-Time Training for Youth Mentors

Trial Overview The study tests a new training method called Just-In-Time Training (JITT) for mentors, which includes online modules, live supervision strategies, and an apprenticeship model. It's compared with the usual way of teaching Interpersonal Psychotherapy skills to prevent depression.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: IPT-AST implemented via Just-In-Time Training (JITT-EBP) Active Control 1 Intervention

IPT-AST = Interpersonal Psychotherapy-Adolescent Skills Training

Group II: IPT-AST implemented via usual training Active Control 1 Intervention

IPT-AST = Interpersonal Psychotherapy-Adolescent Skills Training

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Minnesota

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,459

Recruited

1,623,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12404147/

The efficacy and usability of motivational interviewing just‐ ... Large‐scale studies show that participation in youth mentoring programs is associated with decreased behavioral, peer, and emotional problems (e.g., anxiety, ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6812582/

Impact of mentoring on socio-emotional and mental health ... These results suggest overall that the near-peer mentoring had a positive impact in reducing depressive symptoms and boosting self-esteem for youth with LD/ ...

3. mentoring.org mentoring.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Mentoring-and-Mental-Health.pdf

Mentoring-and-Mental-Health.pdf The effectiveness of mentoring youth with externalizing and internalizing behavioral problems on youth outcomes and parenting stress: A meta-analysis. Mentoring ...

4. onlinelibrary.wiley.com onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jcop.22927

Expanding the reach of psychosocial services for youth ... Youth with mentors have reported fewer depression and social ... just-in-time training. American Journal of Community Psychology, 63 ...

5. evidencebasedmentoring.org evidencebasedmentoring.org/the-new-science-of-single-session-interventions-implications-for-mentoring/

The new science of single session interventions Single-session interventions can significantly reduce youth mental health symptoms like anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues.

6. reporter.nih.gov reporter.nih.gov/search/MQOhA--OXk-FX_DF5pQAnw/project-details/11166429

Project Details - NIH RePORTER Just-in-Time Training for Youth Mentors: A Strategy for Implementing Evidence-Based Preventive Interventions for Youth in Rural Communities. 732, 1R34MH139826 ...

7. evidencebasedmentoring.org evidencebasedmentoring.org/online-interventions-can-ease-teen-depression/

Online interventions can ease teen depression Just two online single-session interventions can help curb teen depression, a new study of more than 2,400 adolescents ages 13 to 16 shows.