Study protocol for a feasibility evaluation of Charge Up!: an adaptation of Critical Time Intervention for young adults moving from homelessness to housing
摘要
Young adults experiencing homelessness (YAEH) have high rates of mental health challenges, yet low rates of mental health service utilization. The transition from homelessness to housing is a key time for intervention to connect YAEH with mental health treatment and provide support to improve both mental health and housing stability. Charge Up! is a 6-month, phased support intervention that utilizes a team-based approach to connect young adults to community and mental health support. It is an adaptation of Critical Time Intervention that integrates components of Cornerstone, a mental health support intervention designed for young adults.
MethodsThis pilot study uses a phased open trial that begins with a feasibility trial to refine the adapted Charge Up! intervention (n = 8), then further tests feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary signal of impact in a small, randomized pilot trial (n = 52). Participants are young adults moving into a transitional housing to rapid rehousing program (TH/RRH) in Houston, Texas. Quantitative interviews are conducted at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. Qualitative interviews are also conducted at 6 months. Exploratory analyses will examine the feasibility of implementing Charge Up!, the performance of measures, and whether Charge Up! is changing the hypothesized targets. Qualitative analysis from interviews will examine demand for the intervention, acceptability of the intervention, and integration of the intervention within the housing system context.
DiscussionThe aim of this study is to pilot test Charge Up!, an adapted version of Critical Time Intervention designed to provide targeted support for mental health at the point of transition from homelessness to housing. The Charge Up! intervention was co-developed with young adults and providers, and this phased open trial will help to refine and provide preliminary evidence of the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. The program is provided in conjunction with a widely used housing model, RRH, and has the potential for scalability as an adjunctive intervention to support youth transitioning into RRH across the United States.
Trial registrationThis study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov on October 20, 2023 (Identifier: NCT06102850), as Protocol ID R34MH129542-01A1, University of Houston, Title: Adaptation of Critical Time Intervention for Young Adults with MH Challenges (CTI-YAMH).