Studying supports to help youth and families recover from concussion.

This research study is completely virtual and doesn’t require any in-person visits.

Up to 1.9 million youth sustain a concussion each year in the United States. 30% have symptoms lasting longer than a month.
Our goal is to understand what types of supports are useful for youth and parents struggling with persistent concussion symptoms.

Who’s eligible?

Youth ages 11 to 18 who are still experiencing concussion symptoms after one month, and their caregivers, are eligible for the study.

What’s required?

Supports

Potential supports for parent, youth, or both via 30-minute video calls on Zoom.

$500 per family is provided for participating.

Incentives

Surveys

Surveys occur at several timepoints throughout the study.

Scroll to learn more.

The Supports

The CHIP Study is testing supports to help youth recover from concussion, provided to parent, youth, or both. All take place via 30-minute video calls on Zoom for the first 3 months.

Families are randomized to receive some combination of these supports, or surveys only. This helps us test which supports are most useful so that we can improve concussion treatment for the future.

Youth Support

Skill-building sessions focused on youth’s personal goals for recovery.

Parent Support

Parent tools to help support their youth in the concussion recovery journey.

Care Management

Support navigating care referrals, coordinating services and connecting with school resources.

Meet the interventionists.

Kristen Arquette, M.Ed., LMFT, SUDP (she/her)

Kristen is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 16 years of clinical experience. She specializes in delivering evidence-based care to adolescents and families navigating chronic illness, anxiety, depression, and trauma. She is a published author and holds advanced certifications including national board-certification in telemental health.

Melissa Morrissette M.A., LICSW, CMHS (she/her)

Melissa is a doctoral candidate in Counseling Psychology (Psy.D.) at Northwest University with over 20 years of experience in clinical social work. As part of the Concussion Health Improvement Program (CHIP) study at Seattle Children’s, Melissa provides virtual care to individuals recovering from concussion, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to promote emotional well-being and return to daily functioning.

Heather Diaz, LICSW (they/ella)

Heather is a licensed clinical social worker with 8 years of experience supporting families. While currently working full-time at Harborview to help Spanish-speaking adults manage chronic illnesses, Heather is also excited to support youth and families in the Concussion Health Improvement Program (CHIP Study) by helping them build coping skills to help manage concussion symptoms.

The Incentives

Incentives up to $500 per family are provided for participating.

The Surveys

Youth and caregivers complete surveys after signing up and again at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months.

Testimonials

“[The study] helps us talk about symptoms and strategies to deal with how she is feeling.”

-Parent Participant

“I learned to advocate for my own healthcare. That’s been very helpful as a new college student.”

-Youth Participant

“The surveys helped trigger check-in's for myself regarding [my youth’s] health and my own coping.”

-Parent Participant

“I found everything [in the CHIP Study] to be very useful. I still have my worksheet and I use it sometimes when I’m having trouble.

-Youth Participant

FAQ for Interested Families

Multiple caregivers are welcome to join the parent component sessions, but one parent will be expected to set goals and work directly with the interventionist.
We know life can get busy. We’re available to schedule appointments in the evenings, and on weekends for families that need flexibility.
Zoom is a video conferencing application. Our research team can help you install the software in an easy, step-by-step process. Technology supports are also available on a needs-basis.
Surveys occur when you families start the study and again after 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months.
Surveys can be completed via phone call with research staff at any point.