Current Studies

This current studies list for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry highlights some of the latest research in the field, including investigations into the causes and risk factors of mental health disorders, the development of new therapies and interventions, and the evaluation of existing treatments. For additional studies, please visit RecruitMe.

Active Studies

  • Principal Investigator:

    Claudia Lugo-Candelas, MS, PhD
    The Lugo Lab at Columbia University's Department of Psychiatry is conducting a study to investigate how health domains, such as sleep and financial stress, impact maternal well-being and perceptions of the environment during and after the pregnancy period. We are recruiting English-speaking participants who are 18-45 years of age, are currently pregnant for at least 28 weeks or more, have no other adoptive or biological child(ren), and qualify for public assistance programs. Participants will be asked to complete a mix of surveys, a 1-on-1 interview, and a small focus group interview...
  • Principal Investigator:

    Jeremy M. Veenstra-VanderWeele, MD
    This research study will explore parents' experiences with stigma related to children's emotional or behavioral problems and barriers to mental health care (e.g., access, discrimination, embarrassment). We are looking for parents in the US, who have children 6-18 years old with a history of either ADHD, depression, or substance use problems (e.g., problems related to vaping, smoking, or drinking). We will use what we learn to develop interventions to support parents and address stigma experienced by parents. Individual interviews will be conducted remotely via Zoom, audio-recorded, and will...
  • Principal Investigator:

    Rachel Marsh, PhD
    This research study will examine how an iPad-based cognitive training game combined with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps children with excessive worries and related repetitive behaviors (obsessive-compulsive disorder). After completing the training, all children will be offered CBT, delivered by experts at no cost. This study will take place at Columbia University in Manhattan. Participation includes a clinical evaluation and questionnaires, 2 MRI scans, and cognitive training games on an iPad loaned to you, and compensation up to $400.
  • Principal Investigator:

    Rachel Marsh, PhD
    This research study will examine how an iPad-based cognitive training game combined with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps children with excessive worries and related repetitive behaviors (obsessive-compulsive disorder). After completing the training, all children will be offered CBT, delivered by experts at no cost. This study will take place at Columbia University in Manhattan. Participation includes a clinical evaluation and questionnaires, 2 MRI scans, and cognitive training games on an iPad loaned to you, and compensation up to $400.
  • Principal Investigator:

    Jeremy M. Veenstra-VanderWeele, MD
    This study will examine the possible benefits of an investigational drug called ML-004 in adolescents and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We are currently recruiting adult participants (18-45 years). Participation will involve ten visits to the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain in White Plains, NY over a period of 26 weeks. This will allow the study team to assess participants' general health, perform developmental testing and provide study related medical care. You will not have to pay for any study related treatments, lab tests or assessments. You will receive...
  • Principal Investigator:

    Randy P Auerbach, PhD, ABPP
    We are recruiting depressed adolescents ages 13-18 years. As a participant in our study, we will: (1) interview your child about current and past thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, (2) teach your child mindfulness strategies, (3) collect brain activity data with MRI (non-invasive) while your child practices mindfulness, and (4) send short surveys to your child's smartphone through the MetricWire app. The MRI scan will take place at the Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute at Columbia University, and the interviews will take place remotely through Zoom. There also will be a follow-up...
  • Principal Investigator:

    Randy P Auerbach, PhD, ABPP
    We are recruiting depressed adolescents ages 13-18 years. As a participant in our study, we will: (1) interview your child about current and past thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, (2) teach your child mindfulness strategies, (3) collect brain activity data with MRI (non-invasive) while your child practices mindfulness, and (4) send short surveys to your child's smartphone through the MetricWire app. The MRI scan will take place at the Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute at Columbia University, and the interviews will take place remotely through Zoom. There also will be a follow-up...