NCT06945055 · Washington State University
FAmily Engagement Strategy for Coordinated Specialty Care
(FAMES)
What this study is about
Family members/support persons' engagement in mental health services has been linked to reduced burden and stress and improves engagement and outcomes in individuals in the early stages of psychosis. The goal of FAMES is to address low family member/support person engagement in services.
View original scientific description
Family members/support persons' engagement in mental health services has been linked to reduced burden and stress and improves engagement and outcomes in individuals in the early stages of psychosis. The goal of FAMES is to address low family member/support person engagement in services. FAMES will also address disparities in coordinated specialty care (CSC) by using a culturally responsive family engagement strategy to be delivered by family peers.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
FAMES
225 dyads (family member/support persons and individuals receiving services for psychosis) will be recruited over a period of 30 months. Family member/support persons will be connected to a family peer for a period of 12 weeks who will use the cultural formulated interview to develop rapport and identify unique cultural needs which can inform treatment and resource identification. Participants will receive brief contact, family psychoeducation, and be connected to an online family resource group where they can receive additional support from certified peers and other family member/support persons.
BEHAVIORAL
Control
participants will receive 12 weeks of automated communication which contain positive messaging, appointment reminders, links to community resources, and coping skills.
Primary outcome measures
Engagement in coordinated specialty care psychoeducation
Time frame: Baseline through study completion; repeated measure to assess change through study completion, average of 3 months
Will be measured as first session attendance rate and total attendance rate per family provided by administrative data from the coordinated specialty care site partners.
Engagement in Family Engagement Strategy
Time frame: Baseline through study completion; repeated measure to assess change through study completion, average of 3 months
Total number of Family Engagement Strategy session attended and the total number of contact minutes to measure engagement.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Family member/support person of an individual enrolled in coordinated specialty care services for less than or equal to 6 months.
- 18 years of age or older.
- During the active implementation period (FAMES) did not participate in the attention control condition.
Exclusion criteria
- If they do not understand the consent process.
- If they do not speak and/or understand English or Spanish. Primary Service User Inclusion Criteria
- enrolled in coordinated specialty care services for less than or equal to 6 months.
- 15 years of age or older.
- Has a family member/support person willing to engage in the study. during the active implementation period (FAMES) did not participate in the attention control condition. Exclusion Criteria
- if they do not understand the consent process
- If they do not speak and/or understand English or Spanish
Where
- Bend, Oregon
- Pasco, Washington
- Tacoma, Washington
- Yakima, Washington
Collaborators
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Feb 23, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations