Teacher-Led Mental Health Care for Children
(Tealeaf-NC Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a new approach where teachers help manage mental health care for children in schools. It compares two methods: one provides teachers with detailed training and support, while the other offers less training and only school counselor supervision. The goal is to determine which method more effectively and sustainably supports children's mental health. The trial seeks schools in North Carolina with teachers of grades K-8 and students identified with emotional or behavioral challenges through a specific questionnaire. As an unphased trial, it offers schools the opportunity to lead in innovative mental health support strategies for children.
Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications.
What prior data suggests that this teacher-led mental health care system is safe for children?
Research shows that the Tealeaf program, which trains teachers to provide mental health support to children, is generally safe. Studies on teacher-led mental health care, including both the Tealeaf and RE-SEED programs, have not identified any specific safety issues. These methods are usually well-accepted. Teachers receive training to effectively assist students with emotional challenges. By using trained teachers, these programs aim to make mental health care more accessible, and current evidence suggests this approach is safe.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about these trial methods because they explore new ways to support children's mental health through teacher involvement. Unlike traditional treatments that often rely on school counselors or external therapists, the Tealeaf approach equips teachers with extensive training and ongoing support, potentially making mental health care more accessible and integrated into daily classroom activities. Meanwhile, the RE-SEED method offers a comparative look at the impact of less intensive teacher training with supervision from school counselors, which could highlight the importance of teacher engagement in student emotional well-being. This trial could uncover effective strategies for empowering teachers to play a pivotal role in supporting children's mental health at school.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for child mental health care?
In this trial, the Tealeaf program serves as one of the treatment arms, providing teachers with in-depth training and regular supervision to assist in mental health care. Research has shown that the Tealeaf program holds promise for improving children's mental health. Specifically, studies found that teachers trained in Tealeaf methods can effectively support students' mental health needs. Data from early trials in 2018 and 2019 demonstrated that teachers can assume this role, allowing some mental health care to shift from traditional professionals to educators. This approach not only aids mental health but also enhances academic performance. By empowering teachers, the program offers a new way to support children's mental well-being in schools.16789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Christina R Cruz, MD
Principal Investigator
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for about 300 teachers in North Carolina, aiming to test a new system where teachers help with child mental health care. Teachers who are willing to adopt and maintain this program can join. Specific inclusion or exclusion criteria aren't provided.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Training
Teachers complete three days of training delivered by a mental health professional
Implementation
Teachers deliver task-shifted mental health care using the Tealeaf program throughout the school year
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for effectiveness and fidelity of the intervention
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Responding to Students' Emotions Through Education
- Teachers Leading the Frontlines
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Lead Sponsor
University of Colorado, Denver
Collaborator
Doris Duke Charitable Foundation
Collaborator
Darjeeling Ladenla Road Prerna
Collaborator
Broadleaf Health and Education Alliance
Collaborator
Broadleaf Health and Education Alliance
Collaborator