ACT Together: Implementing a Web-Based Program With Brief Coaching for Parents of Children With D… (NCT07360600) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
ACT Together: Implementing a Web-Based Program With Brief Coaching for Parents of Children With Disabilities in Pediatric Outpatient Clinics
United States60 participantsStarted 2026-03-18
Plain-language summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the feasibility, usability, and preliminary benefits of implementing ACT Together for parents of children with disabilities in pediatric outpatient clinics. ACT Together includes six self-paced, web-based modules and brief weekly one-on-one coaching sessions led by a trained occupational therapist. The program is based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), which teaches practical skills to help people handle stress and difficult thoughts or feelings while taking steps toward what matters to them.
The main questions this study aims to answer are:
* Can parents and occupational therapists complete the study activities as planned (e.g., module completion, coaching sessions, and surveys)?
* Is the program usable and acceptable/appropriate/feasible to implement in this setting?
* Do parents show improvements in mental health and coping-related outcomes after participating in the program?
* What are the experiences and perspectives of parents and therapists regarding the program?
Parents as participants will:
* Complete six self-paced web-based modules and brief weekly individual phone coaching sessions with a trained occupational therapist working in pediatric outpatient clinics.
* Complete online questionnaires before starting and after completing the program.
* Take part in one online interview about their experiences and perspectives on the program.
Occupational therapists as participants will:
* Complete therapist training materials and deliver brief individual phone coaching sessions to parent participants, including completing a post-session checklist.
* Complete brief online questionnaires before starting and after delivering the program.
* Take part in one online interview about their experiences and perspectives on the program.
Who can participate
Age range
18 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.
Inclusion criteria
. Community-dwelling adults (aged ≥18 years) with primary caregiving responsibility for a child with disabilities (aged \<18 years) who is enrolled in a participating clinic;
. Expected to use services at the participating clinic at least once per week over the next three months;
. Willing to learn strategies to cope with emotions and thoughts; and
. Have access to a web-enabled device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop) with reliable internet access at home or in a public space (e.g., library).
Exclusion criteria
. Cognitive, physical, sensory impairments, or language barriers (non-English speaking) that would impede participation;
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.
1This trial focuses on supporting parents of children with disabilities through a web-based program with coaching — is this something you think could realistically help with the stress and depression I've been experiencing as a caregiver, and am I the kind of participant this study is looking for?
2Since the trial is measuring things like enrollment rates, retention, and whether parents actually complete the online modules and coaching sessions, does that mean researchers are still figuring out whether this program is even practical to deliver — rather than testing whether it definitively helps?
3What does the coaching component actually involve, and given my schedule and responsibilities caring for my child, do you think the time commitment is something I could realistically manage?
4Are there existing mental health supports or programs already available to me as a caregiver that you'd recommend I try first, or would participating in this study be a reasonable starting point?
5Since this is listed as Phase NA, which often means it's not a drug trial but a behavioral or program study, what are the potential risks or downsides I should be aware of before deciding whether to discuss this further with my care team?
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.
What they're measuring
1
Enrollment rate
Timeframe: During the recruitment period (up to approximately 6 months)
2
Retention
Timeframe: Baseline through post-intervention (approximately 7-8 weeks)
3
Web-based module completion
Timeframe: Baseline through post-intervention (approximately 7-8 weeks)
4
Coaching session completion
Timeframe: Baseline through post-intervention (approximately 7-8 weeks)
. Suicidal intent or suicide attempt(s) within the past six months;
. Participation in another parent support research study at the time of recruitment; or
. More than three hospitalizations of either the parent or child within the past year, or other serious health concerns that would interfere with program engagement.
. Be willing to participate in training, program implementation, and study evaluations; and
. Currently work in a pediatric clinic that serves at least 15 children who attend the clinic at least once per week.