Unmute's CARE Framework: A Novel Approach to Strengthen the Therapeutic Alliance and Reduce Treat… (NCT06625502) | Clinical Trial Compass
Active — Not RecruitingNot Applicable
Unmute's CARE Framework: A Novel Approach to Strengthen the Therapeutic Alliance and Reduce Treatment Disparities
United States40 participantsStarted 2025-09-15
Plain-language summary
Aim 1: Expand and adapt the CARE framework to train providers to cultivate a strong early alliance with patients who do not share their background (e.g., mismatched dyads). Aim 2: Establish the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of the adapted CARE framework in mismatched dyads involving 8 providers and 40 patients receiving 15 sessions of teletherapy.
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a new CARE intervention works to improve the cultural fit of psychotherapy for diverse populations, even when the therapist and patient do not share the same cultural background. We will refine and test the intervention with a sample of therapists working with Asian American participants receiving short-term individual psychotherapy delivered online.
The main questions the study aims to answer are:
* Does the CARE framework, adapted for and delivered by therapists specifically trained to work with patients who do not share their background (e.g., mismatched dyads), improve treatment engagement and retention?
* Is the CARE framework associated with a) the development of a positive therapeutic relationship between mismatched patient-therapist dyads and b) significant improvements in participants' presenting problems?
Participants will:
* Receive up to 15 weekly sessions of individual psychotherapy
* Complete different online surveys after every session and on a monthly basis
Who can participate
Age range18 Years
SexALL
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Inclusion criteria
✓. Individuals 18 years of age or older
✓. Physically residing in New York or New Jersey and willing to meet therapist over video platform
✓. English-language proficient
✓. Seeking telemental health treatment and willing to receive short-term treatment (maximum 15 sessions)
✓. Willingness to have sessions videorecorded and complete online assessments
✓. Has insurance coverage for therapy sessions or willing to pay for services out-of-pocket ($150/session)
✓. Masters' or doctoral level mental health provider licensed to practice in NY or NJ and insured
✓. 2+ years of clinical experience post-licensure
Exclusion criteria
✕. Patient's symptom presentation is severe beyond what can be effectively managed in a short-term treatment modality via telehealth (e.g., PHQ-9 score greater than 20, they present a risk of harm to self or other, or otherwise require a higher level of care)
What they're measuring
1
Credibility/Expectancy Questionnaire
Timeframe: Week 4 of treatment
2
Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8 (CSQ-8)
Timeframe: At the end of treatment, typically at 15 weeks.
3
Retention
Timeframe: Through study completion, approximately 15 weeks.
✕. Patient is involved in another intervention study or currently receiving psychotherapy services from another provider.suicidal ideation or psychotic symptoms
✕. Therapist Participants: Licensure violations or enforcement actions as documented at the New York State Office of the Professions https://www.op.nysed.gov/ or New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov