The goal of this pilot project is to test for initial efficacy of the Recovery \& Care Canine-Assisted Therapy program that has been developed and implemented in Lawrence Hall, a Chicago-based residential treatment center for maltreated youth. In this study, the investigators test the feasibility, acceptability, and short-term efficacy of expanding the program to a group of youth currently in outpatient treatment for social, emotional, and behavioral problems. Results from this project will provide preliminary evidence of whether a structured, goal-oriented intervention program focused on dog training activities has direct impact on increasing youth emotional self-regulation, impulse control, and self-efficacy, which are important targets for intervention among youth with mental health problems. If successful, this project could lead to a larger, randomized control clinical trials study that tests the longitudinal impact of the program that could further lead to national dissemination of the Recovery \& Care curriculum as an alternative therapeutic approach.
Age range
8 Years – 17 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Emotional Stroop
Timeframe: Up to 1-month post-intervention
Change in Emotional Stroop
Timeframe: Change from baseline to up to 1-month post-intervention
Flanker Task
Timeframe: Up to 1-month post-intervention
Change in Flanker Task
Timeframe: Change from baseline to up to 1-month post-intervention
Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale
Timeframe: Up to 1-month post-intervention
Change in Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale
Timeframe: Change from baseline to up to 1-month post-intervention
Change in Negative Affect
Timeframe: Change from the beginning to the end of each of the 6 weekly intervention sessions