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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anxiety disorder Depression depressive disorder

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