Beyond education and contact program components, existing research on how to design a successful adolescent stigma reduction intervention has been inconclusive. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a school-based mental health (MH) stigma reduction and health promotion program, Ending the Silence (ETS), developed by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). A diverse sample of 206 high school students in New York City participated in the current study. Using a cluster randomized controlled trial design, 14 ninth-12th grade classes (Grade 9 -12) were randomly assigned to the ETS program or an active control presentation on careers in psychology. Students completed 4 surveys throughout the study (pre, immediate post-presentation, 4 weeks post, 8 weeks post). Prospective results (over 2 months) and qualitative feedback were analyzed. Prospectively, mixed effects modeling indicated significant effects in favor of the ETS group for reduced negative stereotypes, improved mental health knowledge, and less anticipated risk for disclosing to a counselor. There were also trends in favor of the ETS group for reductions in intended social distancing and negative affect, and improvements in help-seeking intentions. Other predictors of stigma included mental health knowledge, gender, race/ethnicity, prior contact with mental illness, and grade level. Qualitative feedback indicated positive impressions of ETS overall, but suggestions for more interactive activities and discussion. Relatively brief programs such as ETS appear to be a practical vehicle for stigma reduction. Future research is warranted on longer-term programs and adolescent development variables.

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