Research Center: Boston University
Location: Boston, MA, USA
Lead Researcher: Martha Tompson, Ph. D.
IRB: This study has been reviewed and approved by the Charles River Campus (CRC) Institutional Review Board (IRB)

When a child is struggling emotionally, the entire family feels it, and wanting answers is natural. It’s not always easy to tell when a child is dealing with depression, but recognizing the signs can be life-changing. Some children may show signs like ongoing sadness or irritability, loss of interest in activities, changes in sleep or appetite, trouble focusing, or frequent emotional outbursts.

This study offers an evidence-based, family-focused treatment that may help children with depression. Families receive a no-cost, 12-session treatment program and MRI scans that offer a unique look at how their child’s brain responds to therapy. You’ll also be compensated up to $600 for completing evaluations and imaging sessions.

Find out if this study could be the support your child needs while helping advance mental health research. Join now.

• Participants will receive a no-cost, family-focused treatment program for childhood depression.
• No prior diagnosis required – eligibility is determined through screening and evaluation.
• Participants will be compensated up to $600 for completing study evaluations and MRI sessions. Compensation will only be provided to eligible participants who complete the required visits.
• Children may experience improvements in their mood, coping skills, and overall emotional well-being.
• Families will be contributing valuable information that may help improve treatment options for children with depression in the future.
• Participants will be helping to advance mental health research and deepen understanding of how therapy supports brain and emotional development in youth.

• You will receive a detailed outline of all details of the study, including treatment, risks, and procedures, and you will be given the chance to ask study staff questions before you decide whether to participate.
• If you decide to participate in the study and later feel that you no longer wish to be part of it, you can withdraw at any time
• Your records relating to this study and any other information received will be kept strictly confidential, except as required by law.

Who Can Participate:

• Children ages 7–12
• Children who are experiencing ongoing mood or emotional challenges that may be signs of depression (a formal diagnosis is not required)
• Children with normal or corrected vision and hearing
• A parent who is not currently pregnant
• A parent who is willing and able to give consent for their child to join the study
• A biological parent (or grandparent acting as a parent) who has lived with the child for more than 75% of the child’s life
• Families who are proficient in English
• Families who are able to complete the evaluations, MRI sessions, and 12-session treatment program required for the study

Who Cannot Participate:

• Children with conditions that may affect their ability to take part in treatment or assessments (such as psychotic symptoms, autism spectrum disorder, OCD, active substance use, or intellectual disability)
• Children with severe behavior problems that may affect home stability (for example, involvement with juvenile justice or child protective services)
• Parents or children with conditions or devices that make MRI scans unsafe (such as claustrophobia, metal implants, braces, cochlear implants, or other electronic or magnetic devices)

Boston University
Boston University is an international, comprehensive, private research university, committed to educating students to be reflective, resourceful individuals ready to live, adapt, and lead in an interconnected world. Boston University is committed to generating new knowledge that will benefit society.