An Online Intervention Addressing Mental Health and Substance Use in University Students

An Integrated Online Intervention Addressing Mental Health and Substance Use in University Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of mobile app containing a range of evidence based tools to improve the mental health and substance use outcomes of university students.

There is a need for scalable interventions to support the mental health and substance use challenges experienced by university students. One means of addressing this need is through the use of e-mental health tools that facilitate self-management and connect students to in-person supports as needed. This is a randomized controlled trial of a mobile app designed to help university students manage their mental health and substance use via a set of evidence-based tools that have been integrated into a single mobile app. The recruitment of approximately 1500 students will occur through social media, promotion by faculty members and administrators, and other in-person recruitment methods. Assessments will be conducted using self-report web surveys at baseline, 14 days (interim assessment) and 30 days (follow-up assessment). The goal of the trial is to assess the effectiveness of the app in improving a range of mental health and substance use outcomes of university students from baseline to follow-up.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Must be currently enrolled at participating university
2. Must be 17 years or older
3. Must have access to and be able to use a smart phone with Wi-Fi and/or mobile data
4. Must be English speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

1) Any participants that self-identify as currently having a suicidal plan at the time of study enrollment