Creating a digital platform to help reduce suicide risk in at-risk youth
Official title: Development and testing of a digitally assisted risk reduction platform for youth at high risk for suicide
Funded at Ksana Health, INC. · NIH-11064882 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a smartphone app to support young people who are at risk of suicide by tracking their mental health and sleep patterns, while also making it easier for them to stay connected with their healthcare providers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ksana Health, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Eugene, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $794,102 |
| NIH project number | 5R44MH128484-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11064882 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are youth receiving outpatient mental health care who are identified as being at high risk for suicide.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not currently receiving mental health care or who do not exhibit risk factors for suicide may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a digital platform that utilizes smartphones to help youth at high risk for suicide. By integrating mobile sensing technology and secure communication tools, the platform aims to monitor risk factors such as psychological distress and sleep disturbances. It also seeks to enhance treatment engagement and continuity of care for these young individuals. The project will involve user-centered design principles to ensure the platform meets the needs of both patients and healthcare providers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce suicide risk among youth by providing timely support and intervention.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using digital tools for mental health interventions, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Ksana Health, INC.
Eugene, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Allen, Nicholas B — Ksana Health, INC.
- Study coordinator: Allen, Nicholas B
Related research
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INCLUSAVE: helping young adults with IDD access suicide-prevention trainings
A new NIH grant studies whether two proven gatekeeper trainings (ASIST and safeTALK) can be delivered in inclusive settings to support young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their communities.
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A universal school program to help middle schoolers stay emotionally regulated and safer
A school-based program teaches students calming skills to reduce violence and thoughts of self-harm, tested in a randomized trial with middle schoolers.
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.