RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

JoyPop Mobile Mental Health App With Youth

This study is exploring a new way to support young people aged 12-17 with their mental health, especially those living in rural areas who often face long waits for help. Researchers are testing a mobile app called JoyPop. This app is designed to help young people better understand and manage their emotions, which is a common challenge when dealing with mental health difficulties like anxiety and depression. The study compares using the JoyPop app alongside usual care, to usual care alone, for young people on mental health service waiting lists. It aims to see if the app can make a positive difference during this waiting period.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Lakehead University

Enrolment target

110

Start

01 Feb 2024

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2025

Emotion Regulation Depression Anxiety Stress

What is this study about?

Many young people, especially those living in rural areas like Northwestern Ontario, find it hard to get mental health support quickly. They often have to wait a long time to see a counsellor or specialist, and this can make their difficulties feel worse. Things like anxiety and depression can become more challenging, and some young people even need to go to hospital more often.

Because of these long waits and limited access to help, researchers are looking for new and creative ways to support young people. This study is testing a special mobile app called JoyPop. The app was created to help young people learn how to better handle their emotions and feelings. This is a very important skill, especially for teenagers, and it can be a big help when someone is struggling with their mental health.

Working with local health organisations, the study wants to see if using the JoyPop app while waiting for mental health services can make a real difference. They will compare a group using the app plus their usual care with a group only receiving usual care. The goal is to find out if the app helps young people manage their feelings and difficulties better during this waiting period.

Key takeaways

This study evaluates a mental health app called JoyPop for young people.
It aims to help 12-17 year olds waiting for mental health services.
The app focuses on improving emotion regulation skills.
Participation involves either using the app or continuing usual care.
You may be provided with an iPhone if you don't have one to use the app.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for young people aged 12 to 17 years old who are currently on a waiting list for mental health services either at St. Joseph's Care Group or Thunder Bay Counselling Centre.

To take part, you'll need to be able to attend an introductory meeting, either online or in person. Also, because the study uses a mobile app, you'll need an Apple device like an iPhone or iPad to use the JoyPop app. If you don't have one, don't worry! They can lend you a refurbished iPhone with just the app on it for the duration of the study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 12 and 17 years old?
Are you currently on a waiting list for mental health services at St. Joseph's Care Group or Thunder Bay Counselling Centre?
Can you attend an introductory meeting (online or in person)?
Are you able to use an Apple device (iPhone/iPad) or willing to use one provided?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll be randomly placed into one of two groups. One group will use the JoyPop app alongside the standard care you're already receiving. The other group will continue with just the standard care. You will be asked to attend an orientation session at the beginning, either online or in person, to learn more about the study and the app if you're in that group. The overall length of your participation will depend on how long you remain on the waiting list for mental health services.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially offer you an extra tool to help manage your emotions and feelings while you wait for mental health services. However, it's also important to remember that using an app might not work for everyone, and it's not a replacement for professional care. There are no known physical risks. You are free to stop participating in the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Lakehead University
Verified postcode
Thunder Bay, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is the JoyPop app?

JoyPop is a mobile app designed to help young people learn how to better understand and manage their emotions and feelings.

Who can join this study?

Young people aged 12-17 who are on a waiting list for mental health services at specific centres in Canada can join.

Do I need my own iPhone or iPad?

You'll need an Apple device to use the app. If you don't have one, the study can lend you a refurbished iPhone for the study period.

Will using the app replace my other mental health care?

No, the app is being studied as an *extra* tool to help while you're waiting for other mental health services, not as a replacement.

What if I decide I don't want to be in the study anymore?

You can leave the study at any time, for any reason, and it won't affect any other medical care you're receiving.

How to find out more

Aislin R Mushquash, Ph.D.

aislin.mushquash@lakeheadu.ca 807-343-8010 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.