Testing a 6-Week Canine-Assisted Therapy Program for Youth Ages 8 to 17 Receiving Outpatient Mental Health Treatment

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate the initial effectiveness of the Recovery & Care Canine-Assisted Therapy program among youth receiving outpatient mental health treatment for social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. The study focuses on determining whether a structured dog training intervention can improve emotional self-regulation, impulse control, and self-confidence in these youth. Results will help decide if this approach should be tested further in larger trials and possibly shared more widely as a new therapeutic option. Participants will join one of two groups for six weeks. One group takes part in the Recovery & Care Canine-Assisted Therapy, involving weekly 1 hour and 15-minute sessions with trained dog-handler teams. These sessions include dog obedience training, learning new tricks, agility training, and a graduation event. The other group joins the Canine Education & Bonding program, attending weekly 45-minute sessions with education about dogs, watching demonstrations, and free play. Both groups are supported by canine experts and clinical supervisors. Youth will be assessed before and up to one month after the programs. Researchers will measure changes in emotional control, self-esteem, social skills, and mood through various tasks, questionnaires, and rating scales. Attendance and participant engagement will also be tracked. The study uses random assignment and involves three cohorts, with data collected in person or virtually by the University of Chicago staff. This helps evaluate the short-term impact and feasibility of these canine-assisted interventions.

Feasibility of a Dog Training Therapy Program in UC Outpatient Youth Receiving Psychiatric Services