RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07682753

MH-POWER for College Students on the Spectrum

Empowering Autistic College Students: Mental Health Skill Building at a Hispanic-Serving Institution

Sponsor

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Enrollment

30 participants

Start Date

Jul 1, 2026

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Autistic College Students With Anxiety, Depression, Stress

Summary

The purpose of this project is to determine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a mental health skill-building and empowerment program (MH-POWER) for college students on the autism spectrum facing stress, anxiety, and depression. The program, grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and habit formation, will be implemented through weekly sessions and daily practice over 8 weeks. To evaluate the program's preliminary efficacy, we will measure mental health symptoms at baseline, mid-point, post-intervention, and one-month follow-up. Positive outcomes could lead to scalable interventions.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 30 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This clinical trial is studying a behavioral approach called The MH-POWER program for people with college students on the autism spectrum with mental health challenges. The study is currently recruiting participants at 1 location. People eligible for this study include aged 18 Years to 30 Years.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALThe MH-POWER program

The MH-POWER program is an 8-week, structured, and manualized program to improve mental health skills. The program design consists of weekly 60-minute group sessions (8-12 in each group) and daily structured practice activities to reinforce the skills learned in each session. Based on the Self-Regulation Framework, the MH-POWER program systematically integrates (a) CBT with a specific focus on cognitive restructuring and behavioral activation; (b) ACT with mindfulness, acceptance strategies, and values clarification; and (c) the science of habit formation, which includes action planning, goal setting, prompts, and self-monitoring. The program focuses on developing greater relationships between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, as well as the ability to cope effectively. The focus areas of development include learning how thoughts create emotions and influence actions, developing a positive mindset, enhancing stress management and coping skills, employing structured problem

Locations(1)

Department of Occupational Therapy, ESWOT Building, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Edinburg, Texas, United States

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NCT07682753