This study is being done to learn whether yoga or group cognitive behavioral therapy (gCBT) programs can help improve mood and emotional well-being for teens who are feeling stressed or down. Researchers hope to better understand alternative approaches to supporting teens experiencing symptoms of depression and identify effective programs that may help teens access support earlier.

You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:

• Ages 12-18
• Currently feel down or stressed
• Have not started new medications for depressive symptoms in the past 4 weeks
• Have not started new therapy for depressive symptoms in the past 4 weeks
• Have not participated in yoga or group therapy in the past 4 weeks
• If under 18, able to receive parental consent to participate
• Live in Massachusetts
• Able to attend in-person and virtual classes for 12 weeks

If you join this study, you will participate in either a yoga program or a group cognitive behavioral therapy (gCBT) program designed to support mood and emotional well-being. You will attend two classes each week for 12 weeks: one in-person class on Saturday mornings at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and one virtual class over Zoom on Wednesday evenings. You will also complete brief weekly surveys and four follow-up interviews over Zoom during the six months after starting the study. Your participation will help researchers learn more about how yoga and group therapy programs may support teens who are feeling stressed or down.

Yes. Eligible teen participants may receive up to $170 for completing all study assessments. Parents or guardians who choose to participate in the optional follow-up interviews may also receive up to $130. These payments are provided to thank participants for their time and contribution to this research study.

There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.