Preventing Suicidal Behavior With Diverse High-Risk Youth in Acute Care Settings
Who can join
Ages 12 to 24 · All sexes
Full eligibility criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Suicide Risk During Acute Care Visit (At least one item must apply: Chief complaint of suicide-related concern, Active suicidal ideation endorsed in past 1 month on validated suicide screener, Suicidal behavior in the past 3 months on validated suicide screener, and/or Clinician indicated SI in past month or SA in past 3 months). * Have access to a cellular phone with the ability to receive phone calls and text messages over the 12-month follow- up period * Adolescent must be verbally fluent and can communicate, understand, and read in either English or Spanish * Adolescent has been/will be discharged from a higher level of care (i.e. inpatient, day hospital, partial hospitalization program (PHP), or residential treatment program) and back in the community within 4 weeks of the acute care visit. Exclusion Criteria: * Significant cognitive or developmental delays that prevent understanding or using SPI+ or IPT-A-SCI (includes inability to communicate verbally) * Altered mental status (acute psychosis, intoxication, or mania) * Unable or unwilling to provide informed consent (adults), assent (minors), or permission (parents/caregivers) * The services offered through the study are not in the best clinical interest of the patient (e.g., presenting problem requires a different level of care or treatment approach).
About the study
This multisite randomized controlled trial will compare two brief interventions for youth and young adults ages 12-24 following an acute care visit for suicide risk: the Stanley-Brown Safety Planning Intervention with follow-up contacts (SPI+) and Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Adolescents-Ultra Short Crisis Intervention (IPT-A SCI). The study will evaluate which approach is more effective in reducing suicidal ideation and suicide events. Findings will help patients, families, and clinicians make informed decisions about care following a suicide-related emergency department visit.
What is being tested
- Stanley Brown Safety Planning Intervention and Follow-up Contacts (SPI+) (behavioral)
- Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Adolescents Ultra Short Crisis Intervention (IPT-A SCI) (behavioral)
Sponsor: Johns Hopkins University · Participants: 484 · Started: Mar 15, 2025
Contact the study team
- Holly C Wilcox, PhD · Phone: 410-370-0081
- Catherine Grela · Phone: 667-217-4303
Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT06151158
Locations in the U.S.
Conditions
From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Nov 15, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.