Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much will I be paid?
A: Participation in the program is free. Compensation is provided for completing interviews and surveys during the initial screening (2 parts: telephone screening and an office visit), after completion of the assigned program (Family Group Program or Family Readings Program), and then again 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after the Program starts.

At four of these times, you and your children will be invited to our offices to complete the in-person interviews and surveys. You and your child will each be paid $40 for each visit. The other two times, you and your child(ren) will be asked to complete surveys at home and will be paid $15 each upon completing those. Families with one child participating in the study can receive a total of $380 for the six assessments. Families with two children participating in the study can receive a total of $570.

Q: Are there any risks or discomforts I should know about?
A: Participating in this study may evoke unpleasant thoughts or feelings associated with discussing stressful family events. These include unpleasant feelings that may be related to the experience you or your spouse has had with depression. The interventions and procedures also may involve risks that are currently unforeseeable.

Q: What will the interviews involve?
A: You will be asked a series of standard questions about your feelings and behaviors. Each interview can take anywhere between 30 and 90 minutes. Your first interviews will take the longest because it is the first time we have met you. We will ask to interview you and each child you have between 9 and 15 years old on separate days (you will be paid for each day you come). These first visits take a total of 3 to 4 hours and the surveys take about 1 to 1 and ½ hours to complete. Children will have approximately one hour of free time during that visit to work on homework or start their surveys. The interview will take place at a location to be determined by you and the research personnel. You will be able to discuss your concerns with the clinician in the study. We will make every effort to help you feel comfortable during these interviews.

Q: Will I find out the results of the interviews for me and/or my child?
A: At the completion of the initial interview, if findings are suggestive of a condition that may detrimentally impact you or your child’s physical or mental health, we will make the information available to you and make clinical referrals as needed. In consultation with your clinician, you can arrange any necessary follow-up testing to confirm or clarify the preliminary findings of our research assessment. However, we are unable to pay for further medical evaluation and treatment.

Q: What if I have my other kids with me for the interview and I can't get a sitter?
A: Childcare can be provided by our research team if ample notice is given.

Q: Does this study provide any kind of treatment?
A: We will not be able to provide ongoing treatment, but we are willing to provide you and, if you desire, a mental health professional designated by you, with feedback about our findings. In consultation with the mental health professional, you can arrange any necessary follow-up testing to confirm or clarify the preliminary findings of our research assessment. The main goals of this study are to teach you and your family about depression and its effects, to provide information that may help strengthen your parenting skills, and to teach you and your children coping skills to deal with stress.

Q: What happens if I call or email Raising Healthy Children (RHC)?
A: All forms of contact (email and/or phone) are kept completely confidential. When you contact us, a trained research staff member will answer any questions that you may have and talk with you about your choices/options for participation. If you leave a message or email us, an RHC team will get back in contact with you within 24 to 48 hours.

Q: Where are your offices located?
A: If you are accessing this website in Tennessee click here for directions. If you are accessing this website in Vermont click here for directions.

Q: Do you provide transportation?
A: We can reimburse you for cab or bus fare if necessary.