Digital Therapy + Peer Coaching for Mental Health in Latinx College Students
(P2 Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
The goal is to optimize peer coaching in order to optimize engagement and outcomes in digital therapy. The unmet mental health needs of community college students are staggering and a growing body of research demonstrates that therapy provided digitally with the assistance of trained community members without advanced degrees in mental health is an effective and scalable way to address these needs. Despite being effective for improving symptoms and functioning in those who engage in it, uptake and engagement in digital therapy is generally quite low. Recent research suggests that this is especially true of Latinx individuals, who tend to have unique and significant unmet mental health needs. To address these issues, Project 2 will examine treatment engagement, treatment satisfaction, symptoms and functioning outcomes among Latinx students at East Los Angeles College (ELAC) receiving digital therapy with peer coaching in the STAND program.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are currently being treated by a psychiatrist or psychologist, you must be willing to transfer your care to the STAND program during the trial.
Is digital therapy with peer coaching safe for mental health treatment in humans?
Research on digital therapy, like Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ICBT), shows it is generally safe for treating mental health issues such as depression and anxiety in students, with improvements in symptoms reported. However, challenges like low completion rates and the need for cultural adaptations are noted, but no significant safety concerns have been identified.12345
How is Digital Therapy + Peer Coaching different from other mental health treatments for Latinx college students?
Digital Therapy + Peer Coaching is unique because it combines online cognitive behavioral therapy (a type of talk therapy) with support from trained peers, making it more accessible and relatable for Latinx college students who may face barriers to traditional mental health services. This approach leverages digital tools and peer support to bridge gaps in care and enhance engagement among underserved students.46789
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Digital Therapy + Peer Coaching for Mental Health in Latinx College Students?
Research shows that internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) can improve mental health care access and outcomes for students, and digital mental health tools can effectively reach underserved students of color. Additionally, virtual cognitive behavioral therapy has been found to be as effective as face-to-face therapy for depression.1241011
Who Is on the Research Team?
Amy Sewart, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
University of California, Los Angeles
Kate Taylor, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
University of California, Los Angeles
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for Latinx students enrolled at East Los Angeles College who are either uninsured or have California Medicaid. Participants need private internet access to complete online programs and assessments.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive digital therapy with peer coaching, randomized into different peer coaching conditions
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for treatment engagement, satisfaction, and symptom severity
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Digital Therapy
- Peer Coaching
Digital Therapy is already approved in United States, European Union for the following indications:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Mental Health Support
- Anxiety Management
- Depression Treatment
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of California, Los Angeles
Lead Sponsor