Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Current Studies

This current studies list for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry highlights some of the latest research in the field, including investigations into the causes and risk factors of mental health disorders, the development of new therapies and interventions, and the evaluation of existing treatments. For additional studies, please visit RecruitMe.

Active Studies

  • Climate and Family Study

    Principal Investigator:

    Claudia Lugo-Candelas, MS, PhD
    The Lugo Lab at Columbia University's Department of Psychiatry is conducting a study of extreme weather events and family functioning. We are recruiting mothers of children between 1-3 year old, who identify as Puerto Rican background, live in Uptown Manhattan or the Bronx and identify as low-income. You will be compensated for your time! All procedures can be done remotely! The study will involve a remote baseline interview/online survey, recuring online surveys for up to 12 months, and a final remove interview/survey. Participants will be compensated up to $452 total for their participation...

  • Environment and Transition to Parenthood

    Principal Investigator:

    Claudia Lugo-Candelas, MS, PhD
    The Lugo Lab at Columbia University's Department of Psychiatry is conducting a study to investigate how health domains, such as sleep and financial stress, impact maternal well-being and perceptions of the environment during and after the pregnancy period. We are recruiting English-speaking participants who are 18-45 years of age, are currently pregnant for at least 28 weeks or more, have no other adoptive or biological child(ren), and qualify for public assistance programs. Participants will be asked to complete a mix of surveys, a 1-on-1 interview, and a small focus group interview...

  • Parents' Experiences and Views of Stigma Toward Mental Health Conditions in Children

    Principal Investigator:

    Jeremy M. Veenstra-VanderWeele, MD
    This research study will explore parents' experiences with stigma related to children's emotional or behavioral problems and barriers to mental health care (e.g., access, discrimination, embarrassment). We are looking for parents in the US, who have children 6-18 years old with a history of either ADHD, depression, or substance use problems (e.g., problems related to vaping, smoking, or drinking). We will use what we learn to develop interventions to support parents and address stigma experienced by parents. Individual interviews will be conducted remotely via Zoom, audio-recorded, and will...

  • Social Media, Brain Processing, and Cortisol in Teen Suicide

    Principal Investigator:

    Randy P Auerbach, PhD, ABPP
    The study uses brain imaging and cortisol to understand risk and protective factors for mental health among adolescents on social media. We are currently recruiting adolescents ages 14-17 who recently visited the emergency room for suicide-related concerns. To participate in our study, we would ask your child to: (a) complete a mental health interview (over Zoom), (b) complete a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan, (c), provide a hair sample, and (c) collect data from their social media and upload it to a secure tool where a computer program will analyze their data. There also would be...

  • Study for Children with Excessive Worries and Fears

    Principal Investigator:

    Rachel Marsh, PhD
    This research study will examine how an iPad-based cognitive training game combined with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps children with excessive worries and related repetitive behaviors (obsessive-compulsive disorder). After completing the training, all children will be offered CBT, delivered by experts at no cost. This study will take place at Columbia University in Manhattan. Participation includes a clinical evaluation and questionnaires, 2 MRI scans, and cognitive training games on an iPad loaned to you, and compensation up to $400.

  • Study for Children with Excessive Worries and Fears

    Principal Investigator:

    Rachel Marsh, PhD
    This research study will examine how an iPad-based cognitive training game combined with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps children with excessive worries and related repetitive behaviors (obsessive-compulsive disorder). After completing the training, all children will be offered CBT, delivered by experts at no cost. This study will take place at Columbia University in Manhattan. Participation includes a clinical evaluation and questionnaires, 2 MRI scans, and cognitive training games on an iPad loaned to you, and compensation up to $400.

  • Study for Youth with Spider Phobia

    Principal Investigator:

    Kate Dimond Fitzgerald, MD
    This research study aims to explore how the therapy technique, "Self-Distancing", can help youth with specific phobia. This study will take place at Columbia University in Manhattan. Participation in this study includes completing questionnaires and a concentrated session of exposure therapy. Your child can receive compensation of up to $50 in the form of a gift card for participating in this study.

  • The IRIS Autism Trial

    Principal Investigator:

    Jeremy M. Veenstra-VanderWeele, MD
    This study will examine the possible benefits of an investigational drug called ML-004 in adolescents and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We are currently recruiting adolescent participants (12-17 years). Participation will involve ten visits to the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain in White Plains, NY over a period of 26 weeks. This will allow the study team to assess participants' general health, perform developmental testing and provide study related medical care. Participants will not have to pay for any study related treatments, lab tests or assessments...

  • The Mindful Brain Project in Teens

    Principal Investigator:

    Randy P Auerbach, PhD, ABPP
    We are recruiting depressed adolescents ages 13-18 years. As a participant in our study, we will: (1) interview your child about current and past thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, (2) teach your child mindfulness strategies, (3) collect brain activity data with MRI (non-invasive) while your child practices mindfulness, and (4) send short surveys to your child's smartphone through the MetricWire app. The MRI scan will take place at the Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute at Columbia University, and the interviews will take place remotely through Zoom. There also will be a follow-up...

  • The Mindful Brain Project in Teens

    Principal Investigator:

    Randy P Auerbach, PhD, ABPP
    We are recruiting depressed adolescents ages 13-18 years. As a participant in our study, we will: (1) interview your child about current and past thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, (2) teach your child mindfulness strategies, (3) collect brain activity data with MRI (non-invasive) while your child practices mindfulness, and (4) send short surveys to your child's smartphone through the MetricWire app. The MRI scan will take place at the Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute at Columbia University, and the interviews will take place remotely through Zoom. There also will be a follow-up...