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Get ActivE Study for At-risk Youth
Geospatial and Ecological Momentary Assessment Technology and Activity Engagement for At-risk Youth (Get ActivE)
Who can join
Ages 12 to 18 · All sexes
Full eligibility criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adolescents age 12-18 * Current moderate to severe depression (PHQ-9-M \> 11) * Current clinically significant anhedonia, operationalized as PHQ-9-M anhedonia item score \> 1 * English language fluency and literacy level sufficient to engage in study protocol * Willing to download the app on their smart phones Exclusion Criteria: * Evidence of mania, psychosis, or developmental disability precluding comprehension of study procedures per electronic health record review and phone screen.
About the study
The study will adapt and deploy a digital Behavioral Activation app with mobile sensing, supported by health coaches, that encourages youth to engage in positive activities. The study has the potential to offer a low-cost and scalable behavioral intervention that may decrease risk of suicide among at-risk youth. This research will examine specifically whether an intervention involving an app called Vira, combined with health coaching (GET ActivE) can improve enjoyment for teens coping with depression. Research participants will be randomly assigned to one of two study intervention. One study intervention involves a) downloading an app called Vira and engaging by responding to a daily question, and b) participating in a conversation via text, phone, or messages through an appt with a health coach. The health coach will use the Vira app and principles from evidence-based therapy and behavior change to provide users with insights to sustain well-being and better manage risk factors for suicidal thoughts and behaviors such as depressed mood and behavioral withdrawal. The second study intervention involves downloading an app called EARS and responding to a daily question.
What is being tested
- GET ActivE (behavioral)
- Treatment As Usual (behavioral)
Sponsor: University of Pittsburgh · Participants: 75 · Started: Mar 27, 2025
Contact the study team
- Brandie George-Milford, MA · Phone: 412-246-5629
- Morgan Rose, BS · Phone: 978-799-9419
Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT06829953
Locations in the U.S.
| Pennsylvania | Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh |
Conditions
From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.