Altitudes: A Digital Intervention to Support Caregivers

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA, CHAPEL HILL · Jul 9, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The Altitudes trial is looking at a new online support platform designed to help parents, caregivers, and supporters of young people dealing with psychosis. This platform aims to provide helpful resources and a space for caregivers to connect with each other, which may improve their well-being and reduce feelings of stress and burnout. Over the next six months, the study will involve up to 50 caregivers from different programs in North Carolina to see how easy it is for them to use the platform and how it affects their mental health and social support.

To participate in this trial, caregivers must be over 18 and currently support a young person receiving treatment for psychosis. This could be someone in a specialized care program, on a waiting list for help, or recently discharged from care. As part of the study, caregivers will need internet access and will provide feedback on their experiences using the platform. Overall, this trial aims to explore a supportive resource that could make a difference in the lives of those caring for young individuals with mental health challenges.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • The participants must be a parent, caregiver, or supporter of a young person who is currently receiving treatment from a CSC program for FEP or STEP clinic, on the waitlist to receive services from the CSC, who has recently graduated/discharged from a CSC program, or was referred to the study from the community (via Early Psychosis Interventions of North Carolina (EPI-NC) warm line, community psychiatrist/therapist, or inpatient/outpatient mental health services) where young person is experiencing psychosis but was not referred or enrolled in CSC
• • Parent, caregiver, or supporter must be \> 18 years of age
• • Participants recruited from NC CSC programs (i.e., OASIS, SHORE, Encompass, Eagle, AEGIS, WeCare2), STEP programs, and the community screening process
• • Parent, caregiver, or supporter must have access to internet through a mobile phone, tablet, or computer
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Parent or caregiver is currently engaged in legal action against the loved one experiencing psychosis
• • Parent or caregiver does not speak and understand English as the platform, its moderation, interviews, and measures are available only in English
• • Parent, caregiver, or supporter is \<18 years of age