The purpose of the present study is to investigate the acceptability and feasibility of implementing a novel, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) intervention to caregivers and supporters of individuals who have experienced psychosis, regardless of their relative's engagement in treatment specific to psychosis (i.e., coordinated specialty care (CSC) services). Additionally, the investigators will assess the secondary aim of impact on well-being as a result of the intervention.
Purpose: The purpose of the present study is to investigate the acceptability and feasibility of implementing a novel, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) intervention to caregivers and supporters of individuals who have experienced psychosis, regardless of their relative's engagement in treatment specific to psychosis (i.e., coordinated specialty care (CSC) services). Additionally, the investigators will assess the secondary aim of impact on well-being as a result of the intervention. Participants: 30 caregivers or supporters of individuals who have experienced psychosis and have been referred to or are actively engaged in treatment with two CSC clinics (OASIS and Encompass) Procedures (methods): All participants will be recruited on a rolling basis from two CSC clinics. Participants will engage in a novel, CBT therapy intervention co-developed by Kelsey Ludwig, PhD, and David Penn, PhD. Participants will receive the individual therapy intervention once per week or bi-weekly, for 20 sessions, over the course of 6 months. All therapy sessions will be conducted by trained Masters' or Doctorate level therapists and will be recorded to score treatment fidelity for each therapist. Experiences, wellbeing, and support measures will be taken at baseline and post-treatment, participants will be compensated for these assessments.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
30
The intervention includes four "Foundational Sessions" delivered to all participants: Orientation and Engagement, Narrative Exploration, and Goal Setting Sessions at the beginning of treatment, followed by a structured Closing Session at the end of treatment. Beyond the four foundational sessions, caregiver clients complete an additional module based on their top area of need. These modules are called "Core Sessions" and are selected through a collaborative process that draws on caregiver preferences, clinical judgment, and assessment results to ensure treatment is tailored to each caregiver's unique experiences, interests, and goals.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
RECRUITINGMean Change in the Experience of Caregiving (ECI) Score
The Experience of Caregiving (ECI) Scale is a 66-item scale. Answers are on a 5-point scale starting at 0 with options "never," "rarely," "sometimes," "often," and "nearly always". Possible scores range from 0 to 264. Higher scores indicate greater feelings of preparedness for caregiving whereas lower scores reflect feeling less prepared to provide caregiving.
Time frame: Baseline, Month 6
Mean Change in UCLA Loneliness Scale Score
The UCLA Loneliness scale is a 20-item scale. Answers are on a 4-point scale with options "I often feel this way," "I sometimes feel this way," "I rarely feel this way," and "I never feel this way." Possible scores range from 20 to 80. Higher scores reflect worse outcomes (greater feelings of loneliness). The UCLA Loneliness Scale is a part of the PhenX Toolkit.
Time frame: Baseline, Month 6
Mean Change in Modified PTSD Checklist for DSM-5
The Modified PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 is a 38-item scale. Answers are on a 5-point scale starting at 0 with options "not at all," "a little bit," "moderately," "quite a bit," and "extremely." Possible scores range from 0 to 80. Higher scores indicate a greater severity of PTSD symptoms.
Time frame: Baseline, Month 6
Mean Change in the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 Score
The Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8) is an 8-item scale. Answers are on a 4-point scale ranging from 0 "not at all" to 3 "nearly every day." Possible scores range from 0 to 24. Higher scores reflect worse outcomes (more depressive symptoms).
Time frame: Baseline, Month 6
Mean Change in the General Anxiety Disorder-7 Score
The General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) is a 7-item scale. Answers are on a 4-point scale ranging from 0 "not at all" to 3 "nearly every day." Possible scores range from 0 to 21. Higher scores reflect worse outcomes (more symptoms of anxiety).
Time frame: Baseline, Month 6
Mean Change in the Self-Compassion Scale Short Form
The Self-Compassion Scale Short Form (SCS-SF) is a 12-item scale. Answers are on a 5-point scale ranging from 1 "almost never" to 5 "almost always." Possible scores range from 12-60, with higher scores reflecting higher self-compassion.
Time frame: Baseline, Month 6
Mean Change in Working Alliance Inventory Short Revised
The Working Alliance Inventory Short Revised (WAI-SR) is a 12-item scale. Answers are on a 5-point scale ranging from 1 "seldom" to 5 "always." Possible scores range from 12-60, with higher scores indicating greater feelings of alliance between participant and clinician.
Time frame: Baseline, Month 6
Number of Participants Withdrawn or Discontinued
The number of participants who withdraw or discontinue from the study before completing all therapy sessions and providing complete data.
Time frame: Up to 6 months
Percentage of Referred Participants Who Enroll
The percent of potential participants who are referred that enroll, complete all therapy sessions, and provide complete data.
Time frame: Up to 6 Months
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