Combining support teams with therapy for Black youth at risk of suicide
Official title: Integrating the Youth Nominated Support Team (YST) with CBT for Black Youth with Acute Suicide Risk
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11086754 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help Black youth who are struggling with thoughts of suicide by combining a special support team made up of trusted adults with therapy that helps change negative thinking patterns, aiming to improve their mental health and overall well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $198,900 |
| NIH project number | 5R34MH131722-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11086754 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Black youth under 21 years old who are experiencing acute suicide risk.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as Black or who are not currently at acute risk for suicide may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to address the rising suicide rates among Black youth by integrating a support system called the Youth Nominated Support Team (YST) with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The YST involves a group of adults chosen by the youth, who provide emotional support and encouragement during treatment. The project will utilize community-based participatory research to develop and test this combined approach, focusing on both personal and social factors that contribute to suicide risk. By enhancing support and treatment engagement, the research seeks to improve mental health outcomes for these vulnerable youth.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective suicide prevention strategies tailored for Black youth, ultimately saving lives.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using support teams in mental health interventions, indicating potential for success with this integrated approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ewell Foster, Cynthia (Cindy) — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Ewell Foster, Cynthia (Cindy)
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.