Project REACH:
A Teen Mental Health Research Study
Using innovative treatments to reach teens where they are
Researchers at the University of Notre Dame and the University of Rochester are partnering with teens struggling with their mental health to investigate ways to prevent suicide. Join our compensated study today.
Fast Facts
difficulties regulating emotions, loneliness, depression/anxiety, non-suicidal self injury, substance use, impulsivity/hyperactivity
13-17 years old
Compensation Provided
Rochester, NY
Study Background
For this research study, we’re recruiting teens with mental health struggles (such as difficulties regulating emotions, loneliness, depression or anxiety, self-injury, substance use, and impulsivity or hyperactivity) to evaluate interventions aimed at improving mental health.
The interventions we’re testing include a combination of a smartphone app and treatment with a tVNS (transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation) device, which is a handheld, non-invasive device. Participation includes a pre-treatment lab session, a 30-day active treatment phase, a post-treatment lab session, and a one-year follow-up.
Your participation in this study may help researchers improve treatment approaches for teen mental health. Advance research today and join our compensated study!
Study Background
For this research study, we’re recruiting teens with mental health struggles (such as difficulties regulating emotions, loneliness, depression or anxiety, self-injury, substance use, and impulsivity or hyperactivity) to evaluate interventions aimed at improving mental health.
The interventions we’re testing include a combination of a smartphone app and treatment with a tVNS (transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation) device, which is a handheld, non-invasive device. Participation includes a pre-treatment lab session, a 30-day active treatment phase, a post-treatment lab session, and a one-year follow-up.
Your participation in this study may help researchers improve treatment approaches for teen mental health. Advance research today and join our compensated study!
Additional Information
You (or your teen) may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Key Criteria:
- 13-17 years old
- Own an iPhone
- Experience at least 2 of the following: difficulties regulating emotions, loneliness, depression/anxiety, non-suicidal self injury, substance use, impulsivity/hyperactivity
- No diagnosis of autism, bipolar disorder, history of stroke, history of concussions or other traumatic brain injuries, schizophrenia, epilepsy, seizures, TMJ disorder, Bell’s palsy, impaired cranial nerve function, or facial pain
- No cardiac pacemaker, implanted defibrillator, or other metallic implanted device
- Not pregnant or breastfeeding
Teens and their parent will complete surveys online in the office, and then have a conversation together while being video recorded and connected to electrodes. Additionally, teens will be interviewed regarding their experience with self-injury and suicidal thoughts.
Outside of the study visits, teens will have access to a phone app used to communicate with study staff, play a puzzle game, and answer a daily survey regarding their emotions. Teens will also wear a Garmin watch to analyze their sleep quality and use a tVNS device.
