IMPACT LAB
Investigating Mood Pathology: Assessment, Course, Treatment
SilverCloud: App-Based Therapy Research Study
We are inviting young people who want to improve their mental health to participate in a study of SilverCloud, a clinician-guided, app-based therapy program. In this paid study, participants will either be assigned to traditional treatment or to treatment with the SilverCloud therapy app. We want to learn whether traditional therapy and SilverCloud work equally well and if some adolescents prefer one type of treatment over the other.
What is SilverCloud?
SilverCloud is a smartphone-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) app that supports young people who might be experiencing feelings of low mood or anxiety. The program is self-guided, but all participants are supported by a licensed mental health clinician. Through SilverCloud, participants learn about anxiety and depression and have the opportunity to complete activities designed to help them reduce their negative thoughts and feelings.
What will I do in the study?
If you agree to participate, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire about your mental health. If you are eligible to participate, you will be randomly assigned (like flipping a coin) to either receive SilverCloud or treatment with a local licensed therapist. Regardless of what treatment you receive, you will be asked to complete a 5-minute online questionnaire about your mental health every 2 weeks for 8 weeks. You will also be asked to complete 15 minute online questionnaires about your mental health 3,6, and 9 months after enrolling. Some participants will also be asked to participate in an interview about their experiences. This is optional. In total, the study lasts about 9 months.
Study Timeline
SIGN UP
First, you and a caregiver will be asked to complete a consent form indicating you agree to participate. Next, you will be asked to complete a survey about your mental health. You will then be randomly assigned (like flipping a coin) to either receive SilverCloud or treatment with a therapist.
TREATMENT
You will receive 8 weeks of treatment through SilverCloud or therapy with a licensed mental health clinician.
BIWEEKLY SURVEYS
Every two weeks, all participants will complete a survey about their mental health. It takes less than 5 minutes.
FOLLOW-UP SURVEYS
Participants will also complete online questionnaires about their mental health 3,6, and 9 months after enrolling in the study. These surveys take about 15 minutes.
INTERVIEW
After completing treatment, some participants will be asked to participate in an interview about their experiences. This is optional and would take about 30 minutes.
Have questions?
Check out our frequently asked questions (FAQs). If you have a question that is not listed, please email us.