RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07240792

Development of a College Student-Delivered Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Intervention for Rural High School Students

Expanding Mental Health Access in Rural High Schools: Development and Testing of a College Student-Delivered Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Intervention

Sponsor

Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

Enrollment

40 participants

Start Date

Feb 25, 2026

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Depression Stress Anxiety

Summary

This research is being done to find out the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of a college student-delivered cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention in high schools in rural Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania to treat mental health problems (i.e. depression and anxiety) in adolescents. This project will respond to the need for evidence-based, acceptable, accessible, and low-cost adolescent cognitive-behavioral interventions that lead to long-term improvements in adolescents' mental health outcomes.

Eligibility

Min Age: 13 YearsMax Age: 18 Years

Inclusion Criteria5

High school students ages 13-18 years.
Attending a participating rural high school in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania.
Presenting with self-reported symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress. Must have a t-score ≥ 55 on one or more of the following three measures:
i. PROMIS Emotional Distress Depression short-form questionnaire ii. PROMIS Emotional Distress Anxiety short-form questionnaire iii. PROMIS Psychological Stress Experiences short-form questionnaire
English-speaking (to ensure comprehension of CBT materials and assessments).

Exclusion Criteria3

Diagnosis of a psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, intellectual disability, or seizure disorder.
Assessed to be at high risk for suicide or requiring immediate crisis intervention.
Inability to participate in school-based sessions due to scheduling conflicts or behavioral concerns.

Interventions

BEHAVIORALStudent Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Intervention

Our study aims to evaluate whether a 12-week cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) program delivered in both group and individual formats by trained college students can effectively help adolescents with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. We will assess the program's feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness in a high school setting. Sessions will cover topics such as: understanding connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, identifying and challenging unhelpful thought patterns, using exposure principles to face feared situations, building problem-solving skills, and engaging in positive activities.