Behavioural activation for young people
Many young people in the UK struggle with depression, but waiting lists for specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) can be long. This clinical trial is testing a talking therapy called Behavioural Activation (BA) for young people aged 11 to 17.5 years. Behavioural Activation is a practical approach that helps people plan and take part in activities they value, such as hobbies, schoolwork, and spending time with friends. Doing these activities can gradually lift low mood. Half of the young people in the study will receive eight sessions of BA alongside their usual CAMHS care, while the other half will receive standard care plus written information about depression. Sessions can be held in person, by video call, or over the phone. The goal is to see if BA helps young people recover faster and provides good value for the NHS.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Depression can make everyday life feel overwhelming. Many young people find that when their mood drops, they stop doing the things they normally enjoy, like seeing friends, playing sports, or pursuing hobbies. Unfortunately, pulling away from these activities can make feelings of sadness and loneliness even worse. While specialist NHS care helps, long waiting times mean that many young people wait months without active therapy.
This study is exploring whether a therapy called Behavioural Activation (BA) can provide early, effective support. Instead of focusing only on difficult thoughts, BA focuses on practical actions. With the support of a trained worker, young people choose small, meaningful activities to build into their weekly routine. This helps restore a sense of pleasure and achievement. Because BA is simpler to learn than many traditional therapies, staff such as assistant psychologists and nurses can be trained to deliver it quickly.
Researchers at the University of York are leading this large study across several areas in England. They want to find out whether offering BA to young people recently accepted into CAMHS works better than usual care alone, whether young people and their families find it helpful, and whether it saves NHS resources. The results will help decide if BA should be rolled out across the UK.
Key takeaways
- Tests an 8-session talking therapy called Behavioural Activation for teenagers with low mood.
- Open to young people aged 11 to 17.5 who joined a participating CAMHS clinic within the last six weeks.
- Participants are randomly assigned to either Behavioural Activation or usual care with depression leaflets.
- Sessions can be flexible, combining in-person visits with video or phone calls and an online workbook.
- Taking part is completely voluntary and does not replace your standard NHS safety net.
Who may be eligible?
This study is open to young people aged between 11 and 17 and a half years old who have recently been accepted into a participating specialist CAMHS clinic (within the last six weeks). They must have noticeable symptoms of depression, which are checked using a standard mood questionnaire.
To ensure safety, the study is not suitable for everyone. Young people who need urgent crisis care, such as those at immediate risk of severe self-harm or suicide, will be supported through emergency pathways instead. The study is also not designed for young people whose primary difficulty is an eating disorder, psychosis, bipolar disorder, or severe drug or alcohol problems, as these require different specialist treatments.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- I am between 11 and 17 and a half years old.
- I was accepted into a participating specialist CAMHS clinic in the last 6 weeks.
- I am experiencing symptoms of low mood or depression.
- I can understand and take part in sessions held in English.
- I do not currently require immediate crisis or emergency psychiatric care.
What does participation involve?
Taking part begins with a 50:50 computer-generated choice, like flipping a coin. Half of the participants will receive standard CAMHS care plus helpful guides on depression. The other half will receive standard care plus eight 50-minute sessions of Behavioural Activation.
The first few therapy sessions are usually held face-to-face so you can get to know your therapist. Later sessions can be done in the clinic, over the phone, or via video call, depending on what works best for you. You will also have access to an online workbook to help plan your activities between sessions. Parents or carers can be involved in the sessions if you wish. Throughout the study, you will complete short questionnaires about your mood and well-being so researchers can see how you are getting on.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (6)
- Royal Bolton HospitalApproximateBolton, England
- Carol Kendrick CentreApproximateManchester, England
- The Royal Oldham HospitalApproximateOldham, England
- Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation TrustCity onlyNottingham, England
- Brookside Family Consultation ClinicApproximateCambridge, England
- Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation TrustUnverifiedLeyland, England
Common questions
What is Behavioural Activation?
It is a practical talking therapy that helps you identify things that matter to you and plan small steps to start doing them again, which can help lift your mood.
Can I pick which group I am in?
No. A computer decides by chance (randomly) whether you receive Behavioural Activation or standard care with information leaflets. This makes the trial fair and accurate.
Do my parents or carers need to come to my sessions?
They can be included if you and your therapist agree it would be helpful, but you can also have sessions on your own.
Will taking part affect my place on the CAMHS waiting list?
No. Taking part will not stop you from receiving your usual routine support or specialist care from CAMHS.
What happens if I start to feel much worse?
Your safety is the top priority. The study team and your CAMHS clinic will monitor you, and you can be moved to more intensive support immediately if you need it.
How to find out more
Emma Standley
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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