Active Studies
Cannabis, Linked Emotions, and Adolescent Risk (CLEAR) Study
Funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Principal Investigator: Dr. Randi M. Schuster, PhD
To make an impact on rising rates of depression and suicide in adolescents, we must improve our ability to predict when, why, and which individuals experience increases in depression and suicidal ideation. This study investigates how acute cannabis use and withdrawal affect short-term risk for depression and suicide ideation among adolescents. By analyzing time-varying patterns of substance use, mood, and suicide risk, the study aims to guide the development of scalable, accessible, and personalized interventions to reduce adolescent depression and suicide risk (NCT 06576076; R01 DA054145).
Development of a Transdiagnostic Intervention for Adolescents at Risk for Serious Mental Illness
Funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Principal Investigator: Dr. Nicole DeTore, PhD
This is a randomized control trial of a brief 6-week group-based intervention for high school students with mild symptoms of depression, anxiety, or having unusual feelings from developing mental illnesses. This trial is aimed at testing how well the intervention improved mental health and functioning (NCT05962879; K23MH131793).
Evaluating iDECIDE: Drug Education Curriculum: Intervention, Diversion, and Empowerment
Funded by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS)
Principal Investigator: Dr. Randi M. Schuster, PhD
iDECIDE is a free, state-funded drug education and diversion program available to schools and community agencies across Massachusetts. It aims to provide schools an alternative to suspension and other punitive action for substance-related infractions and empowers students with the knowledge and skills to make healthy decisions about substance use. iDECIDE is being evaluated through a variety of methods, including a multi-year, two-arm, assessor blind randomized controlled trial (NCT06115746).
Visit the iDECIDE website to learn more, or check out the iDECIDE Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram.
SURF: Substance Use and Related Risk Factors
Funded by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), Bureau of Community Health and Prevention (BCHAP)
Principal Investigator: Dr. Randi M. Schuster, PhD
The SURF survey is an annual, school-wide assessment administered at participating middle and high schools in Massachusetts. It is designed to identify risk and protective factors for mental health symptom progression. The goal is to characterize school behavioral health landscapes and pinpoint developmental periods when interventions may be most effective.
Optimizing SBIRT: Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral for Treatment
Funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI)
Principal Investigator: Dr. Randi M. Schuster, PhD
Massachusetts is the only state in the country that mandates annual Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) assessments in middle schools and high schools. SBIRT is a widely used model for screening emergent substance use. This five-year, cluster-randomized trial includes 40 public schools in Massachusetts and evaluates enhancements to SBIRT delivery. The study evaluates how near-peer support affects screening efficacy and student outcomes related to substance use risk. Exploratory qualitative analyses will evaluate implementation barriers and potential disparities in effectiveness for structurally marginalized student populations (NCT 06206161; AU-2022C1-26355).