Peer Support Services for Teen Mental Health

(Teen RISE Trial)

Overseen By Cameron M Pham

Age: < 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Disqualifiers: Substance use, Schizophrenia, Autism, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

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 online program to help teenagers improve their mental health after leaving a psychiatric facility. The program, called Peer Support Services, offers education and support through one-on-one and group meetings with trained peer supporters and specialists. It aims to reduce depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and the likelihood of returning to the hospital. Teens recently discharged from inpatient care or emergency departments for issues like depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts might be a good fit. The trial compares this new approach to standard care, which typically involves a discharge plan and follow-up appointments. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity for teens to access innovative support that could significantly enhance their mental health outcomes.

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 seems that the study will monitor adherence to medication, so you may continue your current treatment unless told otherwise by the research team.

What prior data suggests that this intervention is safe for teenagers?

Research has shown that peer support programs can effectively help teens with mental health issues. Although detailed safety information is limited, these programs are generally considered safe. Trained peers and specialists offer emotional and social support, complementing traditional care.

Many teens report benefiting from these programs. Some studies indicate that a significant number of teens gain social and emotional support through peer interactions. Despite limited specific safety studies, peer support is a widely accepted practice in mental health care. This type of support is unlikely to cause harm. Participants can expect a supportive environment aimed at improving their mental health. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about peer support services for teen mental health because they offer a fresh approach compared to traditional therapies like medication and one-on-one counseling. This method involves virtual one-on-one and group meetings with trained peers and peer support specialists, creating a supportive community environment that promotes recovery and education. Unlike standard treatment options, peer support services emphasize shared experiences and mutual understanding, potentially making it more relatable and engaging for teens. This approach could lead to improved mental health outcomes by fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment among participants.

What evidence suggests that this peer support service is effective for teen mental health?

Research has shown that peer support services can be very helpful for young people with mental health issues. Notably, 81% of studies found these services significantly beneficial in addressing such concerns. This trial will compare two groups: one receiving peer support services and another receiving standard care. The peer support services group will engage in virtual one-on-one meetings with a peer support specialist and trained peer, as well as group meetings. These services often lead to fewer hospital visits, an important goal for many health systems. Peer support involves connecting with others who have had similar experiences, offering understanding and encouragement. Studies also reveal that many teens lack the social and emotional support they need, highlighting the potential benefits of these services. Overall, evidence suggests that peer support can be a powerful tool in improving mental health for teens. ^{2 4 6 7 8}

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 teenagers aged 15-18 who have been treated in an acute care psychiatric facility for mental health issues like suicidal thoughts or depression. They must be recently discharged and able to participate online.

Inclusion Criteria

Recently discharged from inpatient care or from emergency department

I am between 15 and 18 years old.

I have thoughts of suicide or have attempted suicide, and I experience depression or anxiety.

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

Orientation

Orientation session and collection of baseline data before randomization into cohorts

1 week

Treatment

Participants in Cohort A receive online recovery education and support, while Cohort B receives standard care with check-in 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

Trial Overview The study tests a new online recovery education and support program against the standard discharge plan. Teens will either get peer-led one-on-one and group support (Cohort A) or regular check-in calls without additional support (Cohort B).

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Cohort A: Intervention Group with PSS, TP, and RES Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Virtual one on one meetings peer support specialist (PSS), trained peer (TP) using recovery education and support program (RES). Group meetings with PSS, TP, 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. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40569353/

Effectiveness of Youth and Young Adult Peer Support in ... This paper reviews international scientific studies on Y/YA services targeting mental health conditions or health promotion.

2. apa.org apa.org/monitor/2025/04-05/teen-social-emotional-support

U.S. teens need far more emotional and social support Only 58.5% of US teens always or usually receive the social and emotional support they need, according to a report by researchers at the US Centers for Disease ...

3. bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-023-04578-2

The effectiveness of peer support from a person with lived ... This recent evidence suggests that peer support may reduce hospitalisations, an important objective outcome for health services worldwide.

4. authorea.com authorea.com/doi/full/10.22541/au.173305995.57147083/v1

Peer Support for Youth with Mental Health Concerns Peer support services were identified as being significantly effective in treating mental health concerns in 81% (57/70) of studies.

5. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK602668/

Peer Support Programs for Youth Mental Health - NCBI - NIH This shift in collecting outcome measurements aimed at evaluating the impact of peer support services to better understand the effectiveness of the programs.

6. cdc.gov cdc.gov/children-mental-health/data-research/index.html

Data and Statistics on Children's Mental Health 58% report they always or usually receive social and emotional support. · 49% report they receive peer support a lot of the time. · 66% report ...

7. compasshealthcenter.net compasshealthcenter.net/blog/teen-mental-health-statistics/

Teen Mental Health Facts and Statistics 2024 We'll take a closer look at statistics associated with various mental health conditions affecting teenagers in 2024, from anxiety to depression to trauma and ...

8. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0190740925005456

Typology of online mental health peer support for young ... Online peer support can support youth mental health as a supplementary strategy. While there is a growing body of research focusing on specific ...