MedDataX Logo

Unmute's CARE Framework: A Novel Approach to Strengthen the Therapeutic Alliance and Reduce Treatment Disparities

NCT06625502 · Status: ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 40

Last updated 2026-01-22

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Aim 1: Expand and adapt the CARE framework to train providers to cultivate a strong early alliance with patients who do not share their background (e.g., mismatched dyads). Aim 2: Establish the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of the adapted CARE framework in mismatched dyads involving 8 providers and 40 patients receiving 15 sessions of teletherapy.

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a new CARE intervention works to improve the cultural fit of psychotherapy for diverse populations, even when the therapist and patient do not share the same cultural background. We will refine and test the intervention with a sample of therapists working with Asian American participants receiving short-term individual psychotherapy delivered online.

The main questions the study aims to answer are:

* Does the CARE framework, adapted for and delivered by therapists specifically trained to work with patients who do not share their background (e.g., mismatched dyads), improve treatment engagement and retention?
* Is the CARE framework associated with a) the development of a positive therapeutic relationship between mismatched patient-therapist dyads and b) significant improvements in participants' presenting problems?

Participants will:

* Receive up to 15 weekly sessions of individual psychotherapy
* Complete different online surveys after every session and on a monthly basis

Conditions

  • Working Alliance
  • Depression Scale Score
  • Anxiety Symptoms
  • Functioning, Psychosocial

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Culturally-Affirming Racial Equity Framework

The CARE framework is a process-focused, protocol- based, and modular approach to promote mental health equity. It focuses on cultivating the therapeutic alliance across patient-provider differences in the first 3-4 treatment sessions, the critical window for engaging patients in care. Target processes include transparent communication, client-centeredness, client activation, and an affirming and comprehensive approach to assessment and treatment planning. Case conceptualization and treatment planning is collaborative, and guided by the individual clinician based on evidence-based treatments. The therapist receives ongoing biweekly supervision in Alliance-Focused Training and consultation sessions with a group-specific expert.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • New York University

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Model
SINGLE_GROUP

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2025-09-15
Primary Completion
2026-03-15
Completion
2026-06-01

Countries

  • United States

Study Locations

Related Clinical Trials

More Related Trials

Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT06625502 on ClinicalTrials.gov