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Teen Helpline Motivational Interviewing Study

Using Performance Feedback and Facilitation to Integrate Motivational Interviewing in Teen Helpline Services

Who can join

Ages 13 and older · All sexes · Healthy volunteers welcome

Inclusion Criteria

Teen Helpers

* Current helpline peer helpers
* Aged 14-19 years.
* Provides assent and documented parental consent (when applicable).
* Completes study measures prior to the first Motivational Interviewing (MI) training session.
* Attends and completes assigned MI training activities.
* Has access to technology required for online participation (computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet access; videoconferencing capability if needed).
* Plans to continue helpline activities throughout the study period.

Teen Users

* Aged 13-19 years.
* Current U.S. resident.
* Has engaged in at least 20 back-and-forth text exchanges with a helpline volunteer.
* Demonstrates active communication and engagement on the helpline platform.
* Has access to technology required to complete online surveys and, if selected, interviews (computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet access).

Exclusion Criteria

Teen Helpers

\- Plans to discontinue helpline activities within the next 8 months.

Teen Users

* Identified as currently experiencing acute suicide risk (i.e., assigned a "high-risk" flag by the helpline algorithm or identified as high risk by helpline staff).
* Requires immediate crisis intervention or emergency services that could be disrupted by participation in the research study.

About the study

The proposed study will establish a foundation for research within peer-delivered helplines for teens. It aims to evaluate the impact of a Motivational Interviewing training at peer-to-peer helpline. The study will leverage emerging technologies to surmount the challenges of providing tailored training to a large and diverse mental health workforce at scale.

Aim 1: Adapt Motivational Interviewing (MI) strategies for use in a teen peer-delivered text-based digital helpline.

Aim 2: Co-design performance feedback (PF) and facilitated practice (FP) processes to support MI adherence among peer helpers.

Aim 3: Examine feasibility, acceptability, and initial outcomes in a pilot feasibility trial. Peer helpers (N=50) will be randomized to receive MI training or MI training + PF-FP.

What is being tested

• Motivational Interviewing Training (other)

Sponsor: San Diego State University · Participants: 206 · Started: Aug 28, 2025

Contact the study team

Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT07639736

Locations in the U.S.

From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.