NCT06747650

Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Feasibility Trial

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 9 (actual)
• Sponsor: University of Rochester · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 14 Years – 17 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The purpose of this study is to test the feasibility of dialectical behavior therapy for adolescents (DBT-A) with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). In partnership with a community mental health practice, Genesee Valley Psychology (GVP), two cohorts of five adolescents with FASD and their caregivers will participate in an already existing comprehensive DBT-A program (including individual therapy, group skills training, and 24/7 phone coaching). This program has been adapted for neurodivergent teens, including the development of trainings for mental health clinicians on FASD. The aim of the current study is to assess the acceptability of DBT-A from the perspective of teens, caregivers, and clinicians. Additionally, barriers and facilitators of implementing DBT-A with teens with FASD, as well as the feasibility of the research protocol will be assessed to inform later larger-scale trials.

Conditions

• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents	Standard of care (SOC) DBT-A includes approximately six weeks of pretreatment, and approximately six months of DBT-A skills group, individual therapy, and 24/7 phone coaching. During pre-treatment, clients are oriented to the DBT-A model and client commitment to treatment is established. After approximately six weeks, the client enters DBT-A skills group along with their caregiver. This skills group meets weekly for 1.5 hours and clinicians explain the five main DBT-A skills (mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and walking the middle path) via PowerPoints and discussion. Clients and their caregivers are assigned weekly homework. At the same time, teens are completing weekly 1-hour individual therapy sessions where they are utilizing the skills learned in group. Both teens and caregivers have access to what DBT-A calls 24/7 phone coaching. This phone coaching is 24/7 access to a therapist when a crisis is arising.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-12-24
• Primary completion: 2025-10-29
• Completion: 2025-10-29
• First posted: 2024-12-24
• Last updated: 2026-02-05

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States