Digital Strategies to Advance Help-Seeking in Youth at Clinical High Risk for Developing Psychosis

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating digital methods to improve early help-seeking and speed up treatment for youth aged 12 to 29 who are at Clinical High Risk (CHR) for developing psychosis. The study aims to identify different help-seeking patterns in 25,000 young people who screen positive for psychosis risk using an online screening tool. This research is supported by a collaboration between Mental Health America, NIH-funded networks, and academic institutions to better understand and support early intervention in this vulnerable group. Participants will engage with digital strategies designed to encourage help-seeking behavior at key points: after online screening, during texting with peer navigators, and following clinical assessment. These digital nudges, based on the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) model, include personalized messages targeting self-efficacy, perceived needs or risks, and expected outcomes. Participants are randomly assigned to different digital nudge groups throughout the study, aiming to find the most effective approaches to advance youth toward clinical care. During the study, participants complete the Prodromal-Questionnaire (PQ-B) online and may interact via text or video with peer navigators and clinicians. Researchers collect data on engagement, symptom severity, and help-seeking progress. The main outcomes measured include the proportion of youth who initiate texting or schedule assessments, complete clinical assessments, and advance to care within two weeks. The study will last from early 2026 to mid-2028 and includes ongoing monitoring of participants’ help-seeking steps and treatment initiation.

Digital Strategies to Advance Help-Seeking - Aim 3