Home › Autism Spectrum Disorder › NCT06060860
Comparing Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Versus Mindfulness-Based Therapy for Autistic Adults
Who can join
Ages 18 and older · All sexes
Full eligibility criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * ≥18 years of age * Co-occurring depression and/or anxiety as determined by a total score ≥10 on the PHQ-ADS * Living in North Carolina or Virginia * Ability to participate in therapy sessions over telehealth * English-speaking * Provide proof of a professional diagnosis of autism OR meet or exceed clinical cut-off on the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS-2) autism screening instrument Exclusion Criteria: * Altered mental status that precludes the ability to provide informed assent or consent (acute psychosis, intoxication, or mania) * Imminent risk of suicide
About the study
Autistic adults are at a greater risk for mental health problems compared to the general population, with 50% meeting criteria for a co-occurring psychiatric condition. Depression and anxiety are the most common of these conditions among autistic adults, contributing to long-term detrimental effects on health, day-to-day functioning, and quality of life. This study will conduct the first large-scale head-to-head comparison of the two most widely studied mental health interventions for autistic adults: cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based therapy (MBT). Both interventions are well-established, empirically supported treatments for depression and anxiety in the general population, and both interventions have demonstrated efficacy among autistic adults. However, their comparative effectiveness and heterogeneity of treatment effects have not been established in autistic adults. Both interventions will be delivered by telehealth.
What is being tested
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (behavioral)
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) (behavioral)
Sponsor: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill · Participants: 300 · Started: Jan 17, 2024
Contact the study team
- Laura Klinger, PhD · Phone: (919) 966-8183
Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT06060860
Locations in the U.S.
| North Carolina | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill |
| Virginia | University of Virginia, Charlottesville |
Conditions
From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.