Tablet-based suicide-prevention program for adults 50–90 after hospital discharge

A Mobile Intervention for Suicide Prevention For Middle-aged And Older Adults After a Suicide-Related Hospitalization

NIH-funded research Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11237576

A tablet app that teaches older adults simple emotion-control skills to help reduce suicidal thoughts after a hospital stay for suicidal ideation or an attempt.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWeill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11237576 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

If you join, you would receive the WellPATH app on a tablet and short coaching to use personalized cognitive reappraisal techniques when strong negative emotions or urges arise. The program is mostly stand-alone and is used during emotionally charged moments and scheduled training sessions. The study compares a shorter (6-week) and a longer (12-week) version to see which best improves emotion regulation and lowers suicide risk. You would be assessed at hospital admission, at discharge, and at 6 and 12 weeks after discharge.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults aged 50–90 who were recently hospitalized for suicidal ideation or a suicide attempt are the intended participants.

Not a fit: People under 50, those not recently hospitalized for suicide-related reasons, or individuals unable or unwilling to use a tablet may not benefit from this program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the program could help reduce suicidal thoughts and teach practical skills to manage intense negative emotions after hospital discharge.

How similar studies have performed: Emotion-regulation training and some digital interventions have shown promise, but mobile programs specifically for older adults after suicide-related hospitalization are relatively new and not yet widely proven.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.