Actively Recruiting
Geospatial and Ecological Momentary Assessment Technology and Activity Engagement for At-risk Youth Get ActivE Study for Adolescents with Depression and Suicide Risk
Led by University of Pittsburgh · Updated on 2026-06-04
75
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Pittsburgh
Lead Sponsor
C
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating a digital behavioral activation program with mobile sensing and health coaching to support youth at risk of suicide, focusing on teens with depression and anhedonia. This trial aims to test whether the GET ActivE intervention, which combines the Vira app and personalized coaching, can improve enjoyment and well-being compared to activity monitoring alone. The study includes a randomized pilot trial with a diverse group of adolescents aged 12 to 18 years, exploring feasibility, acceptability, and equity of outcomes. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. The first group uses the Vira app along with weekly support from a health coach who encourages engagement in positive activities through personalized nudges and messages based on mobile data and mood ratings. The second group downloads the EARS app to monitor activity and receives weekly summary reports via text messages. Both groups participate for up to three months, with follow-up assessments extending to 12 months. During the study, participants complete self-reports and mobile assessments related to mood, activity, and suicidal risk. Researchers monitor responses to health coach contacts, app engagement, and changes in anhedonia and depression severity over time. The study measures include feasibility, acceptability, appropriateness of the intervention, and equity of outcomes by race. Participants' activity patterns and mood are tracked digitally, and phone or message interactions with coaches are recorded to support behavior change and mental health management.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Get ActivE Study for At-risk Youth
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Adolescents age 12 to 18 years
- Current moderate to severe depression with PHQ-9-M score greater than 11
- Clinically significant anhedonia with PHQ-9-M anhedonia item score greater than 1
- English language fluency and literacy sufficient to participate
- Willingness to download and use a smartphone app
You will not qualify if you...
- Evidence of mania, psychosis, or developmental disability that prevents understanding study procedures
- Conditions identified through health records and phone screening that interfere with participation
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person or remote) for eligibility assessment
Duration - 3 months
Participants receive either the GET ActivE behavioral intervention involving a health coach and the Vira app to encourage activity and positive mood, or activity monitoring alone through the EARS app with weekly activity summaries.
Weekly contacts with a health coach for participants in the GET ActivE group; activity data collection via app for all participants
Duration - Up to 9 months after treatment (total follow-up up to 12 months from baseline)
Participants are assessed for intervention acceptability, appropriateness, and response to health coach contacts, with continued monitoring of anhedonia and mood outcomes.
Assessments at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months post-baseline
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, 19104
Actively Recruiting
2
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, 15213
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
B
Brandie George-Milford, MA
M
Morgan Rose, BS
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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