NCT07024758 · Baylor College of Medicine
Comparative Effectiveness of Internet-based Versus Parent-Coached Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy For Children and Adolescents With Anxiety and OCD
(ASTRO)
What this study is about
Anxiety disorders in children and adolescents are common and confer significant disability. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the recommended treatment for youth with anxiety, yet many families cannot access CBT due to cost, practicalities of attending in-person treatment sessions, and a shortage of trained providers, especially in rural areas.
View original scientific description
Anxiety disorders in children and adolescents are common and confer significant disability. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the recommended treatment for youth with anxiety, yet many families cannot access CBT due to cost, practicalities of attending in-person treatment sessions, and a shortage of trained providers, especially in rural areas. To combat these barriers, other treatment methods have been developed. Previous research has shown that family-based, internet-delivered CBT (iCBT) for anxiety and OCD in youth has shown a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms. Parent-coached exposure therapy (PCET) focuses entirely on teaching parents and youth together how to address anxiety through the completion of in-session parent-coached exposures and assigning parent-coached exposure as homework in between sessions. Although both iCBT and PCET show positive results in treating pediatric anxiety in comparison to standard-care CBT, little is known about the comparative efficacy of iCBT and PCET. This research is being done to understand the comparative effectiveness of two different types of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for treating anxiety or OCD in youth.
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
- The child is between the ages of 7 to 17 years inclusive at enrollment.
- The child has clinically significant symptoms of anxiety and/or OCD, as indicated by a score of 12 or higher on the Pediatric Anxiety Rating Scale (PARS).
- The child is appropriate for anxiety-focused treatment (e.g., anxiety or OCD is the primary or co-primary problem as diagnosed using the DIAMOND-KID).
- One parent/guardian is able and willing to participate in assessment and treatment (e.g., has sufficient English fluency, the decisional capacity to participate, and can commit to treatment duration).
- The participating parent/guardian lives with their child at least 50% of the time per self-report.
- Both parent and child can read and understand English.
- The participant has an IQ above 69, based on the KBIT-2, another valid test or clinician judgement (e.g., a previous assessment conducted, and report shared with study team).
- Participants must be in the state of Texas for treatment sessions/assessments.
Exclusion criteria
- The child has a diagnosis of a lifetime psychotic disorder and/or conduct disorder.
- The child has significant, current and active suicidality/homicidality and/or self-injury requiring medical intervention.
- The child has limited verbal communication abilities (e.g., no independent verbal communication).
- The child is receiving concurrent psychotherapy with anxiety and/or OCD as the primary focus. They can pause ongoing therapy to enroll.
- The child has initiated new antidepressant medication within 12-weeks of assessment (4-weeks for stimulants/benzodiazepines/antipsychotics) or during therapy.
- The child has changed psychotropic medication dosage within 4-weeks of assessment (2-weeks for stimulants/benzodiazepines/antipsychotics) or during therapy.
- The child requires a higher level of care than can be provided through the study (e.g., significant, current suicidal ideation).
Where
- Houston, Texas
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 Jul 20, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations