๐Ÿ›๏ธ Verified NIH Record โ€ข Updated 2025-08-15

LH Canine Therapy Study (NCT05840198)

Evaluating the Impact of a Canine-assisted Therapy Program in Youth Residing in a Residential Treatment Center.

๐ŸŸข Recruiting Observational / Diagnostic ๐Ÿง  Behavioral & Psychological Program Sponsor: University of Chicago

๐Ÿฉบ Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)

The goal of this pilot project is to test for initial efficacy of the Recovery \& Care Canine-Assisted Therapy program that has been developed and implemented in youth institutionalized for behavioral and emotional problems. We are using two study sites, Lawrence Hall and Lydia Home, both Chicago-based residential treatment centers for youth with behavioral and emotional problems, many of whom have experienced child maltreatment and trauma. Comparisons will be made to a matched sample of youth from Lawrence Hall and Lydia Home receiving treatment as usual. Results from this project will provide preliminary evidence of whether a structured, goal-oriented intervention program focused on dog training activities has direct impact on increasing youth emotional self-regulation, impulse control, and self-efficacy, which are important targets for intervention among youth with mental health problems. If successful, this project could lead to a larger, randomized control clinical trials study that tests the longitudinal impact of the program that could further lead to national dissemination of the Recovery \& Care curriculum as an alternative therapeutic approach.

Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.

Location: Lawrence Hall Child & Family Treatment Center โ€” Chicago, Illinois

Age range: 8 Years to 18 Years

๐Ÿงช Interventions in This Study

  • Recovery & Care Canine-Assisted Therapy (BEHAVIORAL)
  • Treatment as usual (OTHER)

๐Ÿ“‹ "Do I Qualify?" โ€” 1-Minute Self Screener

Instant Checklist

Full eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria โ†—

๐Ÿ“ All Participating Trial Locations (2 Sites)

  • Lawrence Hall Child & Family Treatment Center โ€” Chicago, Illinois
  • Lydia Home โ€” Evanston, Illinois

๐Ÿ“ž Contact the Study Coordinator

Phone: (773) 834-0265

Email: kjacobso@bsd.uchicago.edu

Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.

๐Ÿ’ฐ Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights

  • 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
  • Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA ยง 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
  • Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.

๐Ÿ’ก How to Participate

  1. Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
  2. Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
  3. Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
  4. Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.
๐Ÿ›๏ธ View Official NIH Record โ†—