Feasibility and Efficacy of a Digital Mental Health Intervention for Teen Wildfire Survivors

Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of a Digital Mental Health Intervention to Reduce Symptoms of Post-Disaster Traumatic Stress, Depression, and Anxiety in Teens Impacted by Wildfires: A Randomized Multiple-Baseline Single-Case Study.

In October, 2017, Northern California experienced devastating and historic wildfires. Sonoma Rises is an app designed for anyone who was impacted by this event and is intended to help survivors of disaster find their new normal. This study will assess the feasibility and efficacy of a self-help post-disaster mental health intervention delivered via a mobile app with a sample of teens who are experiencing post-disaster mental health symptoms.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Males & females aged 13-17 years directly impacted by the 2017 wildfires having lost their home or been temporarily displaced
2. Screen positive for PTSD (Child Trauma Screening Questionnaire = 5 or higher)
3. Have regular access to a smart phone and a computer
4. Have a personal email address
5. Speak and read English fluently
6. Have parental consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. A positive self-reported history of psychosis, bipolar, or schizophrenia
2. Serious self-reported physical health concerns necessitating surgery or with prognosis <6 months
3. A positive screen for a current Substance User Disorder (CRAFFT = 2 or higher)
4. Current self-reported suicidal ideation
5. Self-reported pregnancy
6. Self-reported less than four weeks of stable prescription medication for anxiety, anti-depressant, and sleep promoting medications prior to the screening assessment