REACHOUT Mental Health Support App for Type 1 Diabetes

Overseen By Yasmin Banga, MA

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of British Columbia

Disqualifiers: Mental health, Multiple co-morbidities, Substance use, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores the effectiveness of a new mental health support app for adults with type 1 diabetes. Participants will use the REACHOUT Virtual Mental Health Support app to connect with trained peers who also have type 1 diabetes and access features like a 24/7 chat room and virtual happy hours. The goal is to determine if this support improves mental well-being compared to those on a waiting list to use the app. Individuals with type 1 diabetes living in certain areas of British Columbia who feel stressed about managing their condition may be well-suited for this study. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative mental health solutions tailored for their community.

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 the REACHOUT app is safe for adults with type 1 diabetes?

Research has shown that the REACHOUT mental health support app is safe for users. A previous study with 46 adults who used REACHOUT for six months found no serious safety issues. The app facilitates connections for mental health support through a chat room and virtual meetups.

Trained peer supporters, who are also adults with type 1 diabetes, provide effective and safe support. The study reported no negative side effects from using the app.

In summary, current evidence suggests that the REACHOUT app is safe and well-tolerated for people with type 1 diabetes seeking mental health support. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the REACHOUT Mental Health Support App because it offers a novel way to support mental health for individuals with Type 1 Diabetes. Unlike traditional treatments that may involve in-person therapy sessions or medication, REACHOUT provides a virtual, peer-supported environment. Users can connect with Peer Supporters, access a 24/7 chat room, and participate in virtual "happy hours," all from their mobile devices. This approach not only offers flexibility and accessibility but also fosters a community atmosphere, which is particularly beneficial for people managing the emotional and psychological challenges of Type 1 Diabetes. By integrating mental health support into a mobile app, REACHOUT has the potential to make mental health care more accessible and immediate for those who need it.

What evidence suggests that the REACHOUT app is effective for mental health support in adults with type 1 diabetes?

Research shows that the REACHOUT mental health support app can improve mental health for adults with type 1 diabetes. In this trial, participants in the REACHOUT intervention arm will access the app, which includes a peer-led support system, allowing users to connect with others who understand their experiences. It also features a 24/7 chat room and virtual happy hours to build a supportive community. A previous study with 46 adults found that those who used the app for six months experienced less diabetes-related stress and fewer symptoms of depression. Overall, early findings suggest that REACHOUT could be a helpful tool for improving mental well-being in people managing type 1 diabetes. ^{2 4 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Tricia S Tang, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of British Columbia

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults over 19 with type 1 diabetes who live in certain areas of British Columbia, speak English, and experience some distress related to their diabetes. They must have internet or smartphone access. Those with pre-existing mental health conditions or substance use issues cannot participate.

Inclusion Criteria

I have type 1 diabetes.

Your average score on the diabetes distress scale is 2 or higher.

Have access to the internet and/or a smartphone.

Exclusion Criteria

Participants with a pre-existing mental health condition, multiple co-morbidities, substance use challenges, and or any other condition that may prevent meaningful participation may not participate in this study.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants receive peer-led mental health support via the REACHOUT mobile app for 6 months

6 months

Baseline, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months assessments

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in diabetes distress, perceived social support, and other health metrics

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• REACHOUT Virtual Mental Health Support

Trial Overview The study tests a mobile app called REACHOUT that offers peer-led mental health support to adults with type 1 diabetes. Participants will use the app's features like chat rooms and virtual happy hours for six months, compared to a wait-list group.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: REACHOUT Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The REACHOUT intervention arm will receive access to the REACHOUT mobile app through which they will be able to review profiles of Peer Supporters and connect with one of their choosing. They will also have access to the other app features including a 24/7 chat room and face-to-face support via virtual happy hours. Participants will complete questionnaires (baseline, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months) and a blood draw (baseline and 6 months). Monetary compensation will be provided for their time and effort.

Group II: Wait-list Active Control 1 Intervention

The wait-list control group will receive access to the mobile app/support program after six (6) months. They will complete questionnaires and a blood draw at baseline and 6 months. Monetary compensation will be provided for their time and effort.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of British Columbia

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,506

Recruited

2,528,000+

Brain Canada

Collaborator

Trials

22

Recruited

6,100+

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

Collaborator

Trials

237

Recruited

142,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11823309/

Evaluating a mental health support mobile app for adults with ... This study recruited 46 adults to participate in a 6-month intervention using REACHOUT, a mobile app that delivers peer-led mental health support.

2. onlinelibrary.wiley.com onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/dme.15451

Evaluating a mental health support mobile app for adults ... This study recruited 46 adults to participate in a 6-month intervention using REACHOUT, a mobile app that delivers peer-led mental health support.

3. breakthrought1d.org breakthrought1d.org/grants/canada/british-columbia/using-a-virtual-care-platform-to-deliver-peer-led-mental-health-support-to-rural-and-remote-communities-in-bc-a-randomized-wait-list-controlled-trial-of-the-reachout-intervention/

Using a virtual care platform to deliver peer-led mental ... The goal of this study is to investigate whether participation in REACHOUT, a 6-month intervention that delivers peer-led mental health support using a virtual ...

4. papers.ssrn.com papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5671055

Study protocol for a mobile app that delivers ... The primary outcome of this trial was diabetes distress; secondary outcomes included depressive symptoms, diabetes-specific quality of life, ...

5. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2673-4540/6/10/116

Are There Mental Health Benefits for Those Who Deliver ... Background/Objectives: Peer support offers a promising approach for improving psychosocial outcomes among adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

6. diabetes.jmir.org diabetes.jmir.org/2025/1/e64267/

Exploring the Needs and Preferences of Users and Parents to ... Objective: This study aimed to explore the mental health needs of adolescents with T1D, determine their preferred modalities for app-based ...

7. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1386505625002096

Lifting the wellbeing of adolescents and young adults with ... Youth with type 1 diabetes are at an increased risk for psychological distress. •. We tested a mental health app (LIFT) in 59 youth from New Zealand and the ...

8. onlinelibrary.wiley.com onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/dme.15210

Training peers to deliver mental health support to adults ... Training peers to deliver mental health support to adults with type 1 diabetes using the REACHOUT mobile app. Tricia S. Tang,. Corresponding ...