Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to Support Mental Health and Transition Readiness in Black Adolescents and Young Adults with Sickle Cell Disease

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ACT to help Black adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease cope with race-related stress. The study builds on previous findings showing ACTs potential to reduce stigma and mental health challenges, focusing on youth aged 14 to 21. It also aims to promote mental health and readiness for transitioning to adult care, using a community-based participatory action research approach. Participants will join a 10-session ACT group designed to support coping with race-related stress. The study will run three consecutive groups with approximately 8 to 10 participants per group. A waitlist control group will receive the same intervention 3 to 4 months after the intervention group completes the sessions. The intervention is delivered as part of routine clinical care at the Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine. During the study, participants will engage in weekly group therapy sessions, complete assessments before and after the intervention, and again at follow-ups up to six months. Researchers will measure outcomes including race-related stress, self-efficacy in managing sickle cell disease, internalized stigma, and readiness for care transition. Additional evaluations will cover acceptance, identity, depression, and anxiety. Participants attendance, engagement, and feedback will be closely monitored throughout the study period, which extends over several years.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Adolescents and Young Adults With Sickle Cell Disease