Emotion Focused Family Therapy for Parents of Children With Mental Health Difficulties
Recruiting · Guelph, Ontario
Always free
Study care at no cost to you
For your time and travel
Many studies pay you back
Most need no insurance or papers
Legal status usually isn't required; we'll tell you each study's requirements
Interpreters available
Ask for your language
Your choice
Voluntary — you can stop anytime
What is this study?
Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) is a promising intervention that aims to teach parents advanced skills to support their child's development of emotion skills and increase their adaptive behaviours, potentially leading to improvements in their child's psychological functioning and family functioning more broadly. This randomized controlled trial (RCT; EFFT vs waitlist control) will (1) test the efficacy of a 6-week group EFFT program on parent and child outcomes and (2) examine maintenance of treatment gains up to four months post-intervention.
It is , overseen by an independent and licensed medical staff.
Read the full clinical description
Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) is a promising intervention that aims to teach parents advanced skills to support their child's development of emotion skills and increase their adaptive behaviours, potentially leading to improvements in their child's psychological functioning and family functioning more broadly. This randomized controlled trial (RCT; EFFT vs waitlist control) will (1) test the efficacy of a 6-week group EFFT program on parent and child outcomes and (2) examine maintenance of treatment gains up to four months post-intervention.
Who this study is looking for
In plain language, from the study's own rules. The study team confirms the full details with you — this isn't a final yes or no.
✅ You may be able to join if…
- •Parent of a child age 7 to 15 with anxiety, depression, or behavioural challenges
- •Willing to take part in the intervention
- •Living at home with the child
- •Able to speak and understand English well enough to do the measures and program
- •Not allergic to adhesive electrode gel used in some tasks
🚫 You may not be able to join if…
- •Parent or child not proficient enough in speaking/understanding English to complete measures or EFFT parts
- •Parent or child with a severe mental health disorder such as active suicidality or psychosis (needs immediate intervention)
- •Parent or child who is actively receiving or will soon receive intensive psychological intervention focused on cognitive and/or behavioural strategies for emotional or behavioural difficulties
- •Parent or child with disabilities in language, speech, or hearing that would interfere with completing EFFT and the measures
- •Parent or child allergic to adhesive electrode gel (sodium chloride) used in some tasks
Are you a good fit?
Simplified highlights. The study team always confirms the full details with you.
- ✓Adults roughly 7–15
- ✓Have Anxiety
What to expect, step by step
- 1
Usually a few weeks
The study team checks whether the study is a good fit for you, with a visit and sometimes lab tests. You can ask any questions before deciding.
- 2
Treatment
If you join and choose to continue, you receive the study treatment and are watched closely by medical staff.
- 3
Follow-up
After treatment, the team checks on your health and confirms the visit schedule with you. You can leave the study at any point.
Has this treatment been tested before?
The study team can share what safety testing has been done so far.
What you need to know before you apply
What is this study testing?+
Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) is a promising intervention that aims to teach parents advanced skills to support their child's development of emotion skills and increase their adaptive behaviours, potentially leading to improvements in their child's psychological functioning and family functioning more broadly. This randomized controlled trial (RCT; EFFT vs waitlist control) will (1) test the efficacy of a 6-week group EFFT program on parent and child outcomes and (2) examine maintenance of treatment gains up to four months post-intervention.
Is it safe? Who makes sure of that?+
This is a research study. Every study is reviewed and monitored by an independent ethics board (called an IRB) whose job is to protect participants, and care is overseen by licensed medical staff. You'll be told the known risks before you agree to anything, and you can stop at any time.
Will I get a placebo instead of the real treatment?+
Some studies compare a treatment against a placebo (an inactive version), and some don't. If this one does, the study team will explain your chances of receiving the active treatment before you decide. Nothing is hidden from you.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications?+
It depends on the study. Some let you stay on your current medications and some ask you to adjust them. Never stop a medication on your own — the study team will review everything with you first.
Does it cost anything? Will I be paid?+
Study-related care is provided at no cost to you. Some studies also pay for your time; the coordinator can tell you if this one does. You should never be asked to pay to take part.
Do I need insurance? Will anyone ask about my immigration status?+
No. You do not need health insurance to take part in a research study, and you will not be asked about your immigration status to join. Taking part is about whether you're a medical fit for the study.
What if English isn't my first language?+
You have the right to understand everything before you agree. Study sites can often provide materials or an interpreter in your language — you can ask the coordinator for one.
Is my information private?+
Yes. Your health information is only shared with the study sites you choose to be contacted by, and only to help match and enroll you. It is never sold, and you can ask us to delete it at any time.
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT05603000 · Locations: Ontario