Feasibility of a Dog Training Therapy Program in UC Outpatient Youth Receiving Psychiatric Services

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO · Mar 15, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring a unique dog training therapy program designed to help young people with emotional and behavioral challenges. The program, called Recovery & Care Canine-Assisted Therapy, aims to see if working with dogs can improve skills like managing emotions, controlling impulses, and building self-confidence. This study is being conducted with youth who are currently receiving outpatient mental health services, meaning they visit a clinic for support but do not stay overnight.

To be eligible for this program, participants should be aged between 9 and 18 years, be receiving mental health treatment, and be available for the entire six-week program. They must also want to take part in this experience. However, the program is not suitable for those with severe mental or physical health issues that would prevent them from participating, those with serious allergies to animals, or anyone with fears about dogs. If this pilot project shows positive results, it could lead to larger studies and potentially make this therapy available to more young people across the country. Participants can expect to engage in structured activities involving dog training, which can be both fun and beneficial for their emotional growth.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Currently receiving outpatient mental health services at the University of Chicago or have received outpatient mental health services from the community in the last 12 months.
• • Available for scheduling during the entire 6-week intervention program
• • Interest in participating in the program
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Severe cognitive, psychiatric, or physical condition or limitation that would prevent participation.
• • Severe animal allergy
• • Animal phobia
• • History of mistreatment of animals.
• • Above-average scores on both measures of behavioral regulation and emotional regulation
• • WASI t-score of intellectual ability \< 60.