Brief Family Therapy for Child Mental Health
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores a new, brief family therapy program designed to support children's mental health by improving family relationships and communication. The therapy consists of four sessions using video feedback to help families identify and change challenging interactions. It is ideal for families in Ontario with children aged 2 to 9 who face mental health challenges such as anxiety or behavioral issues. Families must have access to a screen and internet for virtual sessions. The goal is to determine if these shorter therapy sessions can be as effective and more accessible than traditional, longer therapies. As an unphased trial, this study provides families with a unique opportunity to access innovative therapy that could enhance their children's mental health and family dynamics.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It focuses on family therapy and does not mention medication requirements.
What prior data suggests that this brief family therapy program is safe for children?
Research has shown that short family-based therapies are usually safe and well-received by families. These therapies often enhance communication among family members and can lead to improved behavior in children without causing major problems. One study found that family therapy can strengthen family relationships and reduce stress and emotional issues in children. Importantly, no reports of serious side effects or negative outcomes have emerged from these therapies. This suggests that short family therapy programs, like the one under study, are safe options for families seeking to improve relationships and support children's mental health.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Unlike traditional treatments for child mental health, which often rely on individual therapy or medication, the Brief Family Therapy Program takes a unique approach by involving the entire family in a four-session video-feedback intervention. This method focuses on enhancing family dynamics and communication, aiming to improve the child's mental health through a supportive environment. Researchers are excited about this approach because it could lead to more sustainable mental health improvements by addressing issues at the family level, potentially reducing the need for long-term medication or individual therapy.
What evidence suggests that this brief family therapy program is effective for child mental health?
Research has shown that short family-based therapies, like the Brief Family Therapy Program studied in this trial, can improve children's mental health by strengthening family relationships and communication. Studies have found that these therapies can lead to modest improvements, such as reducing behavior problems and mental health issues in children. For instance, one study found that solution-focused brief therapy had a small to medium positive effect on children's behavior problems. Additionally, therapies that consider the family as a whole have helped with both outward behaviors (like aggression) and inward issues (such as anxiety). Overall, these therapies offer timely and accessible mental health care for children and families.46789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Heather Prime, PhD
Principal Investigator
York University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for families experiencing relationship or child mental health issues, who are seeking therapy to improve communication and family dynamics. It's specifically evaluating a brief family-based therapy program at the York University Psychology Clinic.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Families participate in a four-session video-feedback intervention using the Lausanne Family Play - Brief model
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for program effectiveness, including changes in coparenting, family functioning, and child mental health problems
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Brief Family Therapy Program
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
York University
Lead Sponsor
University of Lausanne
Collaborator