Can a brief online therapy ease anxiety and depression in kids? new study aims to find out.
NCT ID NCT06273982
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests a brief behavioral therapy program delivered via telehealth (STEP-UP) for children and teens aged 8 to 16 with anxiety or depression. Participants are recruited from community health centers and randomly assigned to either STEP-UP or a referral to local mental health services. Researchers will check how youth are functioning and feeling before treatment, at 16 weeks, and at 24 weeks to see if STEP-UP improves daily life and reduces symptoms.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- STEP-UP (brief behavioral therapy) or assisted referral to community care
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could provide an effective, accessible therapy option for youth with anxiety and depression in underserved communities.
- What could go wrong
- This is a relatively small trial (220 participants) testing a behavioral intervention, so results may not apply broadly. The therapy may not outperform standard referrals.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research
Portland, Oregon, 97227, United States
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