About the Study

Parent and teen sitting side by side during conversation

Currently recruiting! We are excited to announce that we are collaborating with the Promoting Teen Attachment and Development (PTAD) Lab to conduct a new research study to learn more about how an individually delivered parenting program may help teens (ages 12-17) with self-harm. Eligible parents will be assigned by chance (like flipping a coin) to one of two conditions: 

  1. Healthy Emotions and Relationships with Teens - A Guide for Parents (HEART-P): a 12-session parenting program that teaches parents specific skills and strategies to help them respond sensitively to their adolescents’ emotions to support their emotion regulation, and promote a positive parent-adolescent relationship. Parents meet individually with a therapist. Sessions can be scheduled virtually or in person. The adolescent does not participate in the therapy sessions. 
  2. Wait List: Parents will be offered the opportunity to receive HEART-P following their completion of the assessments during the study phase.

Who can participate?

  • Teens aged 12-17 years
  • At least 3 episodes of non-suicidal self-injury with at least one episode occurring in the past 12 weeks
  • Receiving mental health treatment that doesn't include individually delivered treatment for the parent. This can be at any mental health clinic
  • At least one parent or caregiver who is willing to participate
    • Parents/caregivers must be able to speak and write English

What will this study involve?

  • Parents AND adolescents will complete assessments at baseline, and weeks 4, 8, and 12 
  • These assessments will be conducted virtually
  • Adolescents and parents will each receive up to $150 for their participation in the study

Contact Us

Contact the study coordinator (Teagan Beckley):