Teen Helpline Motivational Interviewing Study (NCT07639736) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Teen Helpline Motivational Interviewing Study
United States206 participantsStarted 2025-08-28
Plain-language summary
The proposed study will establish a foundation for research within peer-delivered helplines for teens. It aims to evaluate the impact of a Motivational Interviewing training at peer-to-peer helpline. The study will leverage emerging technologies to surmount the challenges of providing tailored training to a large and diverse mental health workforce at scale.
Aim 1: Adapt Motivational Interviewing (MI) strategies for use in a teen peer-delivered text-based digital helpline.
Aim 2: Co-design performance feedback (PF) and facilitated practice (FP) processes to support MI adherence among peer helpers.
Aim 3: Examine feasibility, acceptability, and initial outcomes in a pilot feasibility trial. Peer helpers (N=50) will be randomized to receive MI training or MI training + PF-FP.
Who can participate
Age range
13 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
Teen Helpers
* Current helpline peer helpers
* Aged 14-19 years.
* Provides assent and documented parental consent (when applicable).
* Completes study measures prior to the first Motivational Interviewing (MI) training session.
* Attends and completes assigned MI training activities.
* Has access to technology required for online participation (computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet access; videoconferencing capability if needed).
* Plans to continue helpline activities throughout the study period.
Teen Users
* Aged 13-19 years.
* Current U.S. resident.
* Has engaged in at least 20 back-and-forth text exchanges with a helpline volunteer.
* Demonstrates active communication and engagement on the helpline platform.
* Has access to technology required to complete online surveys and, if selected, interviews (computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet access).
Exclusion Criteria
Teen Helpers
\- Plans to discontinue helpline activities within the next 8 months.
Teen Users
* Identified as currently experiencing acute suicide risk (i.e., assigned a "high-risk" flag by the helpline algorithm or identified as high risk by helpline staff).
* Requires immediate crisis intervention or emergency services that could be disrupted by participation in the research study.
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.
What they're measuring
1
General Help Seeking Questionnaire
Timeframe: 11 months (consent to post 6-month follow up)
2
Patient Health Questionnaire-8
Timeframe: 11 months (consent to post 6-month follow up)