Clinical Trials & Research

Dr. Bethany R. Russell | Russell Mental Health

Advancing Mental Health Through Innovation & Digital Interventions

Welcome to Our Research Program

At Russell Mental Health, Dr. Bethany R. Russell is committed to advancing the understanding and treatment of mental health conditions through rigorous clinical research and innovative digital health interventions. Our research focuses on evidence-based approaches that improve access to care and enhance treatment outcomes for individuals experiencing mental health challenges.

We specialize in digital mental health interventions, including mobile applications and technology-based therapies, that empower individuals to take an active role in their mental health journey.

What Are Clinical Trials?

Clinical trials are research studies that explore whether a medical strategy, treatment, or device is safe and effective for people. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), clinical trials are the primary way researchers determine if a new treatment works and is safe in people.

Types of Clinical Research

Treatment Trials

Test new treatments, new combinations of drugs, or new approaches to therapy and behavioral interventions.

Prevention Trials

Look for better ways to prevent mental health conditions in people who have never had the condition or to prevent recurrence.

Diagnostic Trials

Determine better tests or procedures for diagnosing a particular mental health disorder or condition.

Quality of Life Trials

Explore ways to improve comfort and quality of life for people with chronic mental health conditions.

Source: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Understanding Clinical Trial Phases

Clinical trials are conducted in phases, each designed to answer specific research questions:

Phase I

Tests a new treatment in a small group (20-80 people) to evaluate safety and identify side effects.

Phase II

Administered to a larger group (100-300 people) to determine effectiveness and further evaluate safety.

Phase III

Conducted with large groups (several hundred to thousands) to confirm effectiveness, monitor side effects, and compare to standard treatments.

Phase IV

After FDA approval, researchers continue tracking safety and effectiveness, gathering information about risks, benefits, and optimal use.

Source: National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Digital Health Technologies in Mental Health Research

The FDA defines digital health technologies (DHTs) as systems that use computing platforms, connectivity, software, and sensors for healthcare and related uses. These technologies are revolutionizing mental health research and treatment delivery.

Our Digital Mental Health Research

Dr. Russell specializes in developing and evaluating digital interventions for mental health conditions. Our research explores how mobile applications and web-based platforms can:

• Increase access to evidence-based mental health interventions

• Provide real-time data collection about symptoms and functioning

• Enable continuous or frequent measurements of clinical features

• Support remote participation in clinical trials (decentralized trials)

• Empower individuals with tools for self-management and wellness

mpowerme.app Digital Interventions

Through mpowerme.app, Dr. Russell develops innovative digital tools designed to support mental health and wellbeing. These applications undergo rigorous research and evaluation to ensure they meet the highest standards for safety, efficacy, and user experience. Our digital interventions may be incorporated into clinical research studies to evaluate their effectiveness in real-world settings.

Learn more about our digital health apps at mpowerme.app

Source: FDA Digital Health Technologies for Drug Development

Why Participate in Clinical Research?

Contribute to Science

Help advance the understanding and treatment of mental health conditions for future generations.

Access New Treatments

Gain access to new research treatments and interventions before they are widely available.

Expert Care

Receive close monitoring and attention from a dedicated research team throughout the study.

Make a Difference

Your participation can potentially help improve mental health outcomes for others who suffer from similar conditions.

Clinical Research Terms

Understanding key research terminology can help you make informed decisions about participation:

Informed Consent

A process that explains the risks and potential benefits of a clinical trial before you decide whether to participate. It ensures you understand what the study involves.

Protocol

A carefully designed plan that safeguards participants' health and answers specific research questions. It includes details about the study's purpose, duration, procedures, and eligibility criteria.

Randomization

The process by which participants are assigned to treatment groups by chance rather than by choice. This helps ensure unbiased results.

Placebo

An inactive substance that looks like the treatment being tested but contains no active ingredients. Placebos are used to determine whether improvements are due to the treatment or other factors.

Blinding (Masking)

When participants and/or researchers don't know which treatment a participant is receiving. This prevents bias in reporting outcomes.

Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria

Factors that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial. These criteria help ensure participant safety and the validity of study results.

Principal Investigator (PI)

The lead researcher who oversees the clinical trial and, with the research team, monitors participants' health and safety.

Adverse Event

Any unfavorable medical occurrence in a study participant, whether or not it's related to the intervention being studied.

Digital Health Technology (DHT)

Systems that use computing platforms, connectivity, software, and/or sensors for healthcare purposes, including mobile apps and wearable devices.

Decentralized Clinical Trial

A trial where some or all study activities occur at locations other than traditional clinical sites, often using digital health technologies to collect data remotely.

Sources: NIH, FDA, and ClinicalTrials.gov

Finding Clinical Trials

There are several ways to find clinical trials that may be right for you:

• ClinicalTrials.gov

• The official U.S. database of privately and publicly funded clinical studies. Search for mental health trials by condition, location, or intervention.
  Visit ClinicalTrials.gov →

• NIMH Clinical Trials

• The National Institute of Mental Health provides information about current mental health research studies and how to participate.
  Explore NIMH Clinical Trials →

• Talk to Your Healthcare Provider

• Discuss clinical trial opportunities with your mental health provider or contact Russell Mental Health directly to learn about current research opportunities.

Additional Resources

• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

• The lead federal agency for research on mental disorders.
  nimh.nih.gov

• FDA - Digital Health Technologies

• Information about FDA's approach to digital health technologies in drug development.
  Visit FDA DHT Resources

• NIH Clinical Research Trials and You

• Comprehensive information about participating in clinical research.
  Learn More at NIH

• mpowerme.app

• Explore Dr. Russell's digital mental health applications and interventions.
  mpowerme.app

Interested in Participating?

Contact Russell Mental Health to learn more about current research opportunities

Clinical research participation is voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from a study at any time without affecting your regular care.

Important Information

Eligibility: Each clinical trial has specific eligibility criteria. Not all individuals will qualify for all studies.

Safety: All research studies must be reviewed and approved by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) to ensure participant safety and ethical conduct.

Rights: Participation in research is completely voluntary. You may withdraw from a study at any time without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

Bethany R. Russell, Ph.D., LMHC, RPT, NCC

Russell Mental Health

www.russellmentalhealth.com | mpowerme.app

This page provides general information about clinical trials. Content sourced from federal agencies including NIH, NIMH, FDA, and ClinicalTrials.gov.

For specific medical advice or to discuss participation in research, please consult with a healthcare provider.