Parent coaching shows promise for Kids' mental health

NCT ID NCT05603000

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Guelph Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests a 6-week program called Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) for parents of children aged 7-15 with anxiety, depression, or behavioral challenges. The program teaches parents how to coach their child through difficult emotions and improve their relationship. Researchers will compare parents who receive EFFT immediately to those on a waitlist, measuring changes in both parent and child mental health over 4 months.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) - a behavioral intervention for parents
What this could lead to: If successful, this could provide a practical, non-drug way for parents to help their children manage anxiety, depression, and behavioral challenges at home.
What could go wrong: This is a relatively small, early-stage trial with 200 participants, and it compares the therapy to a waitlist, not an active treatment. Results may not apply to all families, and improvements may not last beyond 4 months.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anxiety anxiety disorder Depression depressive disorder psychiatric disorder Psychological Well-Being

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ANXIETY BEHAVIOR PROBLEM DEPRESSION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Maplewoods Centre for Family Therapy and Child Psychology, University of Guelph
RECRUITING

Guelph, Ontario, N1G 4S7, Canada

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