Clinical Research Directory

Implementing BEAM: A Scalable Digital Mental Health Program, for Families of Children Referred to Neurodevelopmental Services

Families of children with neurodevelopmental differences (NDDs) experience disproportionately high levels of parenting stress and mental health difficulties, including elevated depression, anxiety, and caregiver burden. These challenges are often compounded by increased caregiving demands, system navigation stress, and limited access to timely, tailored mental health supports. Parental mental health plays a critical role in family functioning and child outcomes; however, existing services for families of children with NDDs are frequently fragmented, inaccessible, or focused primarily on child behavior rather than caregiver well-being. As a result, many caregivers experience unmet mental health needs that persist throughout early and middle childhood. To address this gap, our team developed BEAM (Building Emotional Awareness and Mental Health), an app-based parenting and mental health intervention that integrates psychoeducation, peer support, progress monitoring, and coached support. Clinical trials evaluating BEAM with parents of young children have demonstrated promising improvements in parental depression, anxiety, and parenting stress, as well as reductions in harsh parenting practices. Building on this evidence base, the current trial examines the implementation and outcomes of BEAM delivered as-is to families of children with NDDs (BEAM-NDD), without content adaptation, to evaluate its feasibility and effectiveness within this high-need population. This trial uses a single-arm pre-post design to evaluate BEAM-NDD among parents and caregivers of children with diagnosed or suspected neurodevelopmental differences. Primary aims are to (1) assess feasibility and acceptability of BEAM-NDD, including recruitment, retention, engagement, satisfaction, and perceived unmet needs; (2) examine changes in caregiver mental health and parenting outcomes following program participation; and (3) explore individual differences in engagement and outcomes to identify for whom BEAM-NDD may be more or less effective. Participants will complete a 12-week intervention delivered through the BEAM app, consisting of weekly parenting and mental health videos, progress tracking, a moderated peer forum, and optional peer-coaching support. Assessments will be completed at baseline prior to program initiation (T1), immediately post-intervention (T2), and at follow-up (T3). By evaluating BEAM-NDD within real-world service contexts, this trial aims to determine whether an existing evidence-based digital parenting and mental health intervention can support caregiver well-being among families of children with NDDs without requiring adaptation. Findings will inform the scalability and sustainability of BEAM-NDD as an accessible mental health support for families facing long waitlists, limited specialized services, or geographic barriers to care.

Machine Learning-based Classification of Symptom Clusters and Online CBT

To breakthrough the bottleneck identified, we will conduct a cross-sectional study to develop a symptom clustering model for depression and anxiety. A wide range of statistical methods as well as machine learning approaches were explored, and a cohesive hierarchical clustering algorithm will be used. After developing the model, a symptom-matched intervention program based on problem solving therapy will be formulated. We are supposed to examine whether its use for personalizing symptom-matched psychological treatment can lead to improved patient outcomes, compared with usual care. This project is expected to provide a new and precise method for the emotion management, which will provide a standardized intervention pathway combining screening with treatment for the management of depression symptom and anxiety symptom. A preciser intervention matched to individual symptoms may provide important insight in improving patient outcome as well as a standardized mood management pathway targeting to the early detection and intervention for community residents.

Light Therapy for University Students

The effects of light therapy on well-being among university students was investigated. A three-week intervention study examined whether the use of light glasses improved sleep quality and concentration and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety among university students. First, a questionnaire was administered to about 130 students to screen for sleep problems. Based on the responses, those with the most sleep problems were invited to participate in the intervention study, which resulted in 39 participants in total. Although studies of light therapy for sleep problems and depression among patients have yielded positive results, the use of light has not been studied much among healthy individuals. The intervention study used glasses that project light in two intensities and participants were randomized into two groups with different intensities of light. The aim of the study was to: a) compare the effects of different light intensities on sleep and concentration and b) investigate whether light therapy influences symptoms of depression and anxiety among university students. The study is expected to increase knowledge of light therapy among healthy individuals, and if the treatment proves successful, it is an easy and inexpensive way to increase well-being among university students.

The Effect of a Four-Week Hatha Yoga Intervention to Improve Quality of Life, Anxiety, and Depressive Symptoms in Individuals Undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Treatment

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a four-week yoga program works to improve quality of life in people undergoing IVF (In Vitro Fertilization). It will also learn if a four-week yoga program decreases anxiety and depression symptoms in people undergoing IVF. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does a four-week yoga program effect quality of life, anxiety, and depression symptoms in people undergoing IVF? * Do the effects vary by individual characteristics of the people in the study? Researchers will compare the yoga intervention group to routine care as usual. Participants will: * Participate in a weekly virtual yoga class for four weeks (total of four yoga classes), or follow routine care as usual while undergoing IVF. * Take three online surveys every 4 weeks. * Be involved in the study for 8 weeks.

ICBT for Psychological Symptoms Related to Economy

This study aims to investigate the effects of guided internet-based cogitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) on psychological symptoms related to economy. In this pilot study, the investigators investigate participants' psychological symptoms before and after, and one and two years after, they have received eight weeks of therapist guided ICBT.