Just-in-Time Training for Youth Mentors

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · Aug 11, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is testing a new way to train youth mentors and their supervisors to better support teens dealing with mental health challenges like depression and anxiety. The training, called Just-In-Time Training (JITT), combines online lessons mentors can take whenever they need, real-time coaching from experienced supervisors, and a hands-on approach where new mentors learn alongside experienced ones. The goal is to see if this method helps mentors deliver a proven depression prevention program called Interpersonal Psychotherapy-Adolescent Skills Training (IPT-AST) more effectively, especially in rural communities where resources can be limited.

The study is looking for teens aged 12 to 17 who attend certain rural middle or high schools and can speak and read English well enough to join the program. Their parents also need to be able to speak and read either English or Spanish to participate in the research. Teens with moderate to severe depression or those who have active suicidal thoughts requiring more urgent care won’t be eligible. Mentors and supervisors involved must be at least 18 years old, have passed standard background checks, and be available after school to lead the program. If you join, teens will receive support through the IPT-AST program delivered by trained mentors, while mentors will experience this new training approach designed to help them provide better care. This study aims to find a sustainable way to improve mental health support for young people in rural areas.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Youth and Parent Inclusion Criteria:
• • student at a partnering rural middle school or high school
• • age 12-17
• • have English speaking/reading/writing ability at a level to participate in IPT-AST
• • youth's parent has English or Spanish-speaking/reading/writing ability at a level to participate in research activities.
• Youth and Parent Exclusion Criteria:
• • moderate or severe depression (PHQ-9 \> 10)
• • active suicidal ideation with a plan and/or intent, requiring higher level of care
• • Youth does not have English-speaking ability at a level to participate in IPT-AST
• • youth's parent does not have English or Spanish-speaking/reading/writing ability at a level to participate in research activities.
• Mentor and Mentor Supervisor Inclusion Criteria:
• • age 18 or older
• • have completed the typical mentor or mentor supervisor screening and selection process at partnering mentoring organization (including a background check)
• • are available to facilitate the program during after-school hours.