Actively Recruiting
Comparing Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Versus Mindfulness-Based Therapy for Autistic Adults
Led by University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill · Updated on 2025-09-18
300
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
160 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Lead Sponsor
U
University of Virginia
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Autistic adults are at a greater risk for mental health problems compared to the general population, with 50% meeting criteria for a co-occurring psychiatric condition. Depression and anxiety are the most common of these conditions among autistic adults, contributing to long-term detrimental effects on health, day-to-day functioning, and quality of life. This study will conduct the first large-scale head-to-head comparison of the two most widely studied mental health interventions for autistic adults: cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based therapy (MBT). Both interventions are well-established, empirically supported treatments for depression and anxiety in the general population, and both interventions have demonstrated efficacy among autistic adults. However, their comparative effectiveness and heterogeneity of treatment effects have not been established in autistic adults. Both interventions will be delivered by telehealth.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Comparing Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Versus Mindfulness-Based Therapy for Autistic Adults
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- ≥18 years of age
- Co-occurring depression and/or anxiety as determined by a total score ≥10 on the PHQ-ADS
- Living in North Carolina or Virginia
- Ability to participate in therapy sessions over telehealth
- English-speaking
- Provide proof of a professional diagnosis of autism OR meet or exceed clinical cut-off on the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS-2) autism screening instrument
You will not qualify if you...
- Altered mental status that precludes the ability to provide informed assent or consent (acute psychosis, intoxication, or mania)
- Imminent risk of suicide
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States, 27510
Actively Recruiting
2
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia, United States, 22903
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
L
Laura Klinger, PhD
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here