Peer Support Services for Mental Health Conditions

(RISE Trial)

Overseen By Cameron Pham

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Disqualifiers: Substance use, Schizophrenia, Intellectual, Autism, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

Duration: 8 weeks

40 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new support program for young adults recently discharged from a psychiatric facility. The program, Peer Support Services Recovery, includes personalized education and support sessions with peer support specialists. It aims to reduce issues like depression and anxiety while preventing re-hospitalization. Participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving the new intervention and the other receiving standard care with phone check-ins. Ideal candidates are young adults aged 18-27 who have experienced suicidal thoughts, depression, or anxiety and have recently left inpatient care. As an unphased trial, this study allows participants to contribute to innovative mental health support strategies.

Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems likely that you can continue your medications, as the study involves monitoring adherence to medication.

What prior data suggests that this intervention is safe for young adults with mental health conditions?

Research has shown that peer support services are generally safe and well-received by participants. Studies indicate that peer support can have small positive effects on personal recovery, particularly for those dealing with depression and anxiety. Little evidence exists of serious negative effects from these services. Peer support has proven helpful in managing mental health by boosting self-confidence and self-care skills.

Although direct data on safety concerns is lacking, peer support is commonly used in mental health settings, suggesting it is likely safe for trial participants. Participants can expect a supportive environment focused on mental health recovery. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Peer Support Services for mental health conditions because they offer a unique approach compared to traditional treatments like medication or standard therapy. Unlike standard care, which might involve scheduled telephone check-ins, Peer Support Services involve one-on-one meetings and group sessions with peer support specialists. This approach emphasizes shared experiences and communal support, which can foster a deeper understanding and connection among participants. By focusing on peer-led interactions, the treatment aims to provide more personalized and relatable support, potentially enhancing recovery and resilience in ways that conventional methods may not.

What evidence suggests that Peer Support Services Recovery might be an effective treatment for mental health conditions?

Research has shown that peer support services can aid in recovery from mental health issues. In this trial, participants in Cohort A will have one-on-one meetings with a peer support specialist (PSS) for education and support, along with group meetings involving the PSS and other participants. Studies have found that such peer support can enhance social skills and overall quality of life. Participants often feel more supported and involved, which can reduce feelings of loneliness and anxiety. While peer support might not significantly alter medical outcomes, it often helps individuals manage their mental health more effectively. Overall, these services can be a valuable addition to regular care for young adults recovering from mental health challenges. ^{2 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Joseph Guillory, M.D.

Principal Investigator

UT Southwestern Medical Center

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for young adults aged 18-27 who have mental health conditions and were recently discharged from an acute psychiatric facility. It's designed to help with issues like suicidality, depression, anxiety, and prevent re-hospitalization.

Inclusion Criteria

I have been discharged from the hospital or emergency room.

I have thoughts of suicide, have attempted suicide, or suffer from depression/anxiety.

I am between 18 and 27 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

Primary diagnosis of intellectual development disorder

Primary diagnosis of substance use disorder

My primary diagnosis is schizophrenia.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Orientation

Orientation session and collection of baseline data before randomization into cohorts

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Cohort A receives one-on-one and group meetings with PSS and RCOs; Cohort B receives check-in phone calls

8 weeks

Weekly and biweekly meetings or calls

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Peer Support Services Recovery

Trial Overview The study compares a new intervention involving Peer Support Specialists (PSS) and Recovery Community Organizations (RCO) with the standard discharge plan. Participants are randomly placed in two groups for 8 weeks to measure the effectiveness of additional support.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Cohort A: Intervention group with PSS and RCOs Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

One on one meetings peer support specialist (PSS) for education and support. Group meetings with PSS and other participants. Qualitative and quantitative assessments.

Group II: Cohort B: Standard of Care Active Control 1 Intervention

Scheduled telephone call visit with a member of the research team. Qualitative and quantitative assessments.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,102

Recruited

1,077,000+

Citations

1. bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-020-02923-3

The effectiveness of one-to-one peer support in mental health ... One-to-one peer support in mental health services might impact positively on psychosocial outcomes, but is unlikely to improve clinical outcomes.

2. mhanational.org mhanational.org/peer-support-research-and-reports/

Peer support: Research and reports Mental Health America has compiled a database of current research related to the support of peers as a needed and beneficial paid services in mental health ...

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11203176/

Effectiveness of Peer Support Programs for Severe Mental ... Significant improvements in recovery were seen for the control group post-treatment, and significant improvements in recovery and quality of ...

4. psychiatryonline.org psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ps.202100138

The Effectiveness of Peer Support in Personal and Clinical ... The findings that peer support has small positive effects on personal recovery and little or no effect on clinical recovery in poor-to-fair- ...

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0749379721002671

A Systematic Review of the Roles and Contributions ... A total of 14 studies observed significant clinical improvements in participants' social functioning, quality of life, patient activation, and behavioral health ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10038377/

The effectiveness of peer support from a person with lived ... This systematic review aimed to understand the effectiveness of peer support for youth depression and anxiety (either primary or comorbid)

7. bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-024-03260-y

The effectiveness, implementation, and experiences of peer ... For depression outcomes, evidence from two reviews with meta-analyses suggested that peer support is effective in improving perinatal depression ...

8. samhsa.gov samhsa.gov/libraries/evidence-based-practices-resource-center

Evidence-Based Practices Resource Center This guide reviews ways that telehealth modalities can be used to provide treatment for serious mental illness and substance use disorders among adults, ...

9. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9508871/

The benefits and challenges of established peer support ... Studies of peer support for chronic disease self-management have shown positive effects on patient activation, self-efficacy, and self-care ...