Narrative Enhancement and Cognitive Therapy for Self-Stigma in Youth
Trial Parameters
Brief Summary
The goal of this pilot clinical trial is to assess the feasibility of conducting a full-scale study to learn if a new youth-adapted Narrative Enhancement and Cognitive Therapy (NECT-Y) reduces self-stigma in youth living with bipolar disorder or multiple mental health conditions. The main questions it aims to answer are: * What is the feasibility of conducting a definitive clinical trial in terms of recruitment success, study retention/compliance, treatment retention/compliance, and absence of serious adverse events? * Can facilitators deliver the adapted NECT-Y intervention with fidelity? * What is the acceptability of the newly adapted NECT-Y intervention among youth participants and facilitators? Researchers will compare NECT-Y to treatment as usual (TAU). Participants will take part in a virtual 14-week NECT-Y group intervention or receive TAU. They will also complete questionnaires at three time points (baseline, post-treatment, and follow-up).
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Primary diagnosis of bipolar disorder (any subtype) OR diagnosed with multiple mental health conditions (excluding bipolar disorder) * 'Mild' to 'severe' internalized stigma (mean score \> 2.0 on the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Inventory) * Must sign and date the informed consent form * Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures Exclusion Criteria: * Mental health-related hospitalization or emergency department visit in the last 30 days * Initiation of a new psychotherapy in the last 30 days * Inability to consent or to communicate in English