By InvitationNot Applicable

Strategic Treatment and Assessment for Youth (STAY)

United States140 participantsStarted 2025-03-25

Plain-language summary

This multi-method, multi-phase pilot trial is designed to explore initial implementation and effectiveness of a theoretically-driven, culturally-tailored, measurement-based care (MBC) approach, Strategic Treatment Assessment for Youth (STAY), for racial and ethnic minoritized (REM) youth with depressive symptoms or suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB). STAY offers an innovative, culturally-tailored approach to retain REM youth with depressive symptoms with or without STB in mental health treatment. In this R34 study, the investigators will first refine the STAY clinical protocol and implementation plan, develop STAY instrumentation (STAY, Aim 1), and then pilot test the effectiveness of STAY in three community-based mental health clinics (Aim 2). Aim 2 focuses on testing the protocol through a pilot Hybrid Type 2 trial by comparing clinicians randomly assigned to STAY (intervention condition) as compared to those assigned to the MBC As Usual (active comparison condition). Results from this pilot trial will inform optimal study procedures, measures, and site selection for a subsequent, fully-powered Hybrid Type 2 trial to examine STAY implementation, effectiveness, and scalability.

Who can participate

Age range

12 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.

\*Note: This study includes data collection from mental health clinicians, youth, and parents/caregivers. The age limits for each participant group vary and are specified below. Inclusion Criteria for Aim 2 Adolescent client participants: * Age 12 to 18 * Identify as a racial or ethnic minoritized (i.e., Black or African American; American Indian or Alaska Native; Asian American, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander; Hispanic or Latinx) youth * Have at least moderate depression symptoms based on moderate range of a validated depression assessment collected at intake by the participating agency such as the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children (CES-DC) or Hamilton Depression Index with or without Parent- or adolescent- reported or healthcare provider- documented thoughts and/or behaviors related to self-harm or suicide in the three (3) months prior to first contact with participating agency * Assigned or triaged to work with one of the clinician participants included in the study (below) * Made first contact (e.g., initial phone call, attended intake appointment) with a participating agency less than or equal to one (1) month prior to the recruitment date (but ideally within (1) week of intake appointment) * English- or Spanish-speaking * Legal parent or guardian available to provide informed consent * Able to provide informed assent Inclusion Criteria for Aim 2 Parent/Guardian participants: * Legal guardian of one of the adolescent client p…

Questions worth asking your doctor

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.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

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.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.