UNH Behavioral Health Study

THIS STUDY IS CURRENTLY NOT ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS 

We are hopeful that we can begin accepting participants again soon, but at this time we do not have an anticipated start date.  Please continue to check this page for the most up-to-date information available.  We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience, best of luck to your family in your search for the best available treatment options for your child.

Weaving the Web:  Researching OBH and STR Programs for Adolescents

The following provides information about the study. 

Study Description

The purpose of this study is to examine various behavioral, social, and emotional changes that result from engaging in an Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare and Short Term Residential treatment program designed for adolescents.  Behavioral measures based on depressive, anxious and substance use symptoms will be assessed.  Understanding the behavioral, social and emotional mechanisms associated with these treatments and how they are modulated before and after treatment will provide new knowledge necessary for developing more effective treatments. The overall purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of OBH and STR treatments for adolescents. 

If you are interested in being a part of this study, Click here to Complete the Screening Survey

Please read the following information to determine whether your child is eligible for the study.

Inclusion Criteria - The following are characteristics that your child must have in order to be eligible for the study.

• Be between the ages of 13 and 17 years of age
• Have a 5th grade reading level 
• Current diagnosis of Depression, Anxiety and/or Substance Use Disorder per parent report and parental interview. Youth with comorbid diagnoses of these listed diagnoses are eligible.

• Willingness to participate in all aspects of the treatment programs as indicated by Minor Informed Assent

• Has the ability to carry a pack that weighs 25-30% their body weight

• Previous history of at least one of the following (ER visit for behavioral health needs; Inpatient Behavioral health treatment; Intensive Outpatient or Partial Hospitalization Treatment; Outpatient treatment)

Exclusion Criteria - The following are characteristics that you child cannot have in order to be eligible for the study.

• Youth who are in extreme crisis to the point completing the data for randomization (ie, waiting to be placed in a program) would cause harm

• Antisocial Personality Disorder

• Level 2 or higher Autism Spectrum

• Schizophrenia or current hallucinations (e.g., hearing voices, seeing or feeling things that are not there)

• Active, current suicidal ideation

• Active current homicidal ideation or severe aggressive behaviors toward others, including animals

• Eating disorders

• Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 34

• Diabetes

• Physical ailments or disabilities limiting person from hiking, camping, backpacking

• Positive pregnancy test

• Undergoing involuntary transport

• Physicians, therapists, parents or youth who do not agree prospectively to youth participating in either treatment program

Contact

Dr. Michael Gass
Email: Michael.Gass@unh.edu
Phone: (603) 862-2024

Additional Study Details

Full Study Title:  Weaving the Web:  Researching OBH and STR Programs for Adolescents

ClinicalTrials.gov Link:

Start Date: April 1st, 2022

Investigator(s)
Dr. Michael Gass, Principal Investigator
Dr. Anita Tucker, Co-Investigator
Dr. Ellen Behrens, Co-Investigator
Dr. Semra Aytur, Co-Investigator
Dr. Nicolas Mian, Co-Investigator
Dr. Suzanne Graham, Co-Investigator
Dr. Tarkington Newman, Co-Investigator
Kendra Bostick, Co-Investigator
Martin Bernstein, Co-Investigator

Study Site(s)
College of Health & Human Serivces, New Hampshire Hall Rm 301, Durham, NH 03824

Tags:  Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare, Short Term Residential Treatment Programs, Adolescents

Interested?

Use the link below to send a message to the study coordinator, or call the number above to speak directly with a study representative.

If you are interested in being a part of this study, Click here to Complete the Screening Survey