Mindfulness vs. CBT: which therapy helps autistic adults more?

NCT ID NCT06060860

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study compares two well-known therapies—cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based therapy (MBT)—to see which works better for autistic adults with depression and anxiety. About 300 participants from North Carolina and Virginia will receive therapy via telehealth. The goal is to find out which approach leads to greater improvements in mental health.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBT)
What this could lead to: If this trial succeeds, it could show which therapy works best for autistic adults with depression and anxiety, leading to more personalized and effective mental health care.
What could go wrong: This is a behavioral intervention study, not a drug trial. Results depend on participant engagement and may not apply to all autistic adults. The therapies are already established, so the main question is which works better, not if they work at all.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anxiety anxiety disorder autism spectrum disorder Depression depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ANXIETY AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER DEPRESSION

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
RECRUITING

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27510, United States
University of Virginia
RECRUITING

Charlottesville, Virginia, 22903, United States

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