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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Adolescents and Young Adults With Sickle Cell Disease

The current study seeks to build on previous research that demonstrates the efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in combating stigma by investigating the feasibility and acceptability of a protocol to support Black adolescents and young adults in coping with race related stress. The study will consist of a small, purposeful, non-randomized sample (N = 30) of clients enrolled into a 10-session Acceptance and Commitment Therapy group. The group will be offered as part of regular clinical care at the…

ClinicalTrials.gov IDNCT05685368

PhasePHASE1, PHASE2

Enrollment66

SponsorChildren's Hospital Los Angeles

Age14 Years

SexALL

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Conditions studied

Race-related Stress, Depression, Anxiety, Quality of Life, Stress Reaction

About this study

Interventions

Behavioral: ACT for SCD — Phase I Using a convenience sample, this study examines the feasibility and acceptability of a proposed 6-session ACT group intervention for Black youth with sickle cell disease (SCD), who experience compounded stress due to chronic illness and systemic inequities. A up to 11 youth and up to 11 parents/legal guardians will be enrolled in an ACT group offered via the Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine. Participants will complete assessments at pre-, and post-intervention, and at a 3-month follow-up. Up to 5 of 11 parents/legal guardians and 5 of 11 youth (not required to be dyadic) will also be a part of the studies community advisory board (CAB) to ensure the intervention is culturally and developmentally responsive and grounded in community perspectives. Phase II Over the next 3 years this study will use a community-based participatory action research approach, extending and integrating feedback data collected in Phase I, to conduct a crossover waitlist-control trial.

Primary outcomes

Total Score on Index of Race-Related Stress (IRRS)-Brief Version (12 weeks)
Sickle Cell Self-Efficacy Scale (6 mos)
SCD Health-Related Internalized Stigma Scale (6 mos)
Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ), (6 mos)

Eligibility information

Youth Participant Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria The inclusion criteria for study participation are Be an adolescent and/or young adult (age 14-21) who has Sickle Cell Disease Willing to enroll in the ACT group jointly provided by the Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine/Department of Hematology and Oncology Participants can be active, waitlisted, or new patients at CHLA Participants must be able to understand and speak English, as the therapy will only be delivered in English Participants must have an English-speaking parent/guardian Able to provide consent/assent An adolescent or young adult that is pregnant is eligible to participate if consent can be obtained Participants must be developmentally typical Have a stable internet connection (via computer, tablet, or phone) with access to a webcam and a private space to engage in a group therapy sessions; Must consent to audio and video recording of initial interview. Must agree to attend 6 weekly ACT group session Youth participants will be asked to become a member of the CAB. To become a CAB member, the youth participant must consent/assent to participation in the ACT intervention. If a CAB member, they must be willing to engage in CAB interviews and meetings. The exclusion criteria are: Prisoners or youth in detention centers Unable to understand or speak English Does not have SCD Clients who are at significant risk for suicide and self-injury will be excluded due to the intense levels of support required to support these individuals which would interfere with study procedures. Adolescents with families that require frequent intervention from the Department of Children and Family Services, are currently experiencing psychosis, or have severe health concerns that will impact study participation or attendance will be excluded.

Study locations

Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90027 United States

Before you participate: Varda Clinical is an independent discovery tool, not the study sponsor or a medical provider. Eligibility can only be determined by the official study team. Discuss potential risks and benefits with a qualified healthcare professional.

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov. Record last refreshed by Varda Clinical: 2026-09-27.