Effects of a Mindfulness App for Outpatients Waitlisted for Psychological Interventions

Effects of a Mindfulness App for Outpatients Waitlisted for Psychological Interventions

The purpose of this study is to evaluate a mindfulness-based meditation app provided to outpatients (or community participants) who are waitlisted for standard psychological care for mental health or substance use concerns.

This project aims to provide a previously validated mindfulness meditation app to up to 200 adults waitlisted for psychological services in a psychiatric hospital setting or in the broader community. Outpatients (or community participants) who have been referred to and waitlisted for treatment for their mood, anxiety, alcohol, and/or substance use concerns, will be offered access to the digital intervention for 1 year. We will follow participants for 3 months to evaluate usability and psychological symptoms.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. 18-65 years of age
2. Fluency in English
3. Understanding and willingness to comply with study requirements
4. Waitlisted for outpatient psychosocial programming at CAMH (or psychosocial programming in the community)
5. Smartphone or tablet capable of downloading and running the mindfulness app.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Any known practical factor that would preclude participation (e.g., extended absences)
2. Acute psychiatric (e.g., acute suicidality, psychosis) or serious medical condition that precludes participation in this study.
3. Participation in another treatment/intervention study