Improving suicide prevention methods for children in primary care settings
Official title: Optimizing Suicide Prevention Strategies for Pediatric Primary Care
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11063233 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new ways for doctors who care for kids to help prevent suicide by using tools like a website for screening, a smartphone app for safety plans, and text reminders, all aimed at supporting young people who are struggling with their mental health during regular check-ups.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | June 19, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $194,445 |
| NIH project number | 5R34MH132932-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11063233 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents who are identified as at-risk for suicide during their visits to pediatric primary care providers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not adolescents or those who do not visit pediatric primary care settings may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance suicide prevention strategies specifically designed for pediatric primary care providers. It focuses on developing a practical and effective intervention that can be implemented during routine office visits for at-risk youth. The approach includes a web-based screening tool, a smartphone app for creating personalized safety plans, and an automated texting system to encourage adherence to treatment recommendations. By integrating these tools into the workflow of pediatricians, the study seeks to address the urgent need for immediate support for adolescents facing mental health challenges.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the risk of suicide among adolescents by providing timely and effective interventions in primary care settings.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in similar approaches to integrating mental health interventions in primary care, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stepp, Stephanie D — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Stepp, Stephanie D
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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.