Research

The aims of this research study are (1) to better understand the core processes of emotional disorders; and (2) To learn about how psychological treatments like the Unified Protocols for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders in Children and Adolescents (UP-C and UP-A) work and for whom they work for so that we can improve existing treatment strategies. In order to qualify for participation in this research, participants first complete an initial evaluation, which comprises a clinical interview with children and parents, filling out questionnaires, and doing several computer tasks. Eligible children may then be offered the UP-C, UP-A or another evidence-based treatment in either individual or small group formats. Participants may be asked to complete periodic assessments throughout treatment and after completing treatment to see how their symptoms have improved. Children and adolescents ages 4-17 with any emotional disorder (including any anxiety, depression, OCD or related condition) may be eligible to participate. To find out if your child is eligible for this study, contact us [Make an Appointment].

Our team is motivated to provide equitable, evidence-based mental health treatment to youth of all cultural backgrounds. The purpose of this project is to develop and refine a school-based indicated prevention program to address emotion regulation challenges faced by racially and culturally diverse high school students in lower-resource communities. Program improvements are based on feedback collected from members of the high-school community. Through interview data and quantitative measures, we will be able to use our findings to revise the treatment program to better improve academic functioning and reduce symptom burden for adolescents with emotional difficulties. This research is funded by the Institute of Education Sciences and co-led by researchers in the Department of Psychology, the University of Miami’s School of Public Health Sciences, and the Department of Pediatrics' School Health Initiative program. 

Adolescents who take part in the U-PEACE program meet as a group with a program leader 1-2 times per week for approximately 3 months. Teens’ progress will be tracked through questionnaires that are periodically presented throughout the program. Students from participating Miami-Dade County Public Schools who have experienced symptoms of anxiety or depression may qualify for participation in the U-PEACE program. For more information, please contact the research team at UP-PEACE@miami.edu.