A Feasibility Study for Implementing and Evaluating an Internet-based Cognitive Behavior Therapy Intervention in School Settings and Its Impact on Adolescent Mental and Behavioral Health
Condition: Depression Anxiety and Co-occurring Rural Youth
MeSH terms: Depression
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      This research study examines rural youth's experience of an internet based cognitive
      behavioral therapy intervention, and their experience of symptoms of depression, anxiety and
      co-occurring disorders.
    

Detailed description: 
      In the United States, and rural Montana, a substantial health disparity exists for rural
      youths' mental health and mental health care access. In 2017, nearly a third of all Montana
      high school students reported being impacted by depression; 21% considered suicide compared
      to 17% nationally. Over 30% of Montana adolescents indicated drinking alcohol and 20%
      indicated using marijuana. Rural Montanans face enormous barriers to behavioral health care
      including low mental health care provider coverage, long distances to adequate care, and
      stigma. We have developed a culturally and developmentally appropriate Internet-based
      Cognitive Behavior Therapy (iCBT) program designed to teach skills that address mental and
      behavioral health challenges common to adolescents. Building on previous development and
      evaluation of an adult version of iCBT (Thrive), the investigators propose to pilot the newly
      developed youth version of Thrive (Y-T), a fully automated stand-alone program. Y-T will
      deliver CBT skills through educational, real life adolescent scenarios, and tailored feedback
      videos to address symptoms of depression, anxiety and co-occurring (addiction) behaviors. The
      investigators intend to conduct feasibility analyses of pilot study implementation in school
      communities. The investigators will document and assess organization-level facilitators and
      barriers that impact the study processes at each study site. Short-term goal for this
      research are to understand how to effectively conduct trials within school community settings
      and to obtain preliminary information on the acceptability and effectiveness of the Y-T
      program to address depression and anxiety symptoms, and addictive behaviors. The
      investigators will conduct post-intervention focus groups to assess the program as
      experienced by participants and insight on the extent of program engagement and learning. The
      investigators hypothesize that those using Y-T over an 8-week period will report markedly
      decreased scores on anxiety, depression, and addictive behaviors. The long-term goal is to
      conduct a larger trial of the program to determine the evidence of impact among youth.
      Provided that this research demonstrates such programs to be evidence-based, the
      investigators will work on a broader dissemination plan with the ultimate aim of decreasing
      mental and behavioral health and respective health care disparities among rural youth.
    

Intervention name(s): internet based iCBT program, Youth Thrive
Intervention type(s): Other
Intervention description(s): iCBT program is a skills program which teaches assertive communication, constructive thinking and rewarding activities
Intervention model: Single Group Assignment
Intervention model description: multiple baseline pre-post design
Masking: None (Open Label)
Primary purpose: Supportive Care