Using AI to help older adults with HIV/AIDS manage suicidal thoughts
Official title: Adapting DBT for Persons Living with HIV/AIDS Using an Artificial Intelligence-Powered Conversational Agent
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-11096019 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to help older adults living with HIV/AIDS by using a friendly AI called Angel to teach them skills for managing their emotions and reducing feelings of sadness or hopelessness, all through short videos designed just for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $200,175 |
| NIH project number | 5R34MH134693-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11096019 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 55 and over who are living with HIV/AIDS and experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV/AIDS or those under the age of 55 may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to adapt Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) specifically for older adults living with HIV/AIDS, who face a significantly higher risk of suicide. The approach involves using an AI-powered conversational agent named Angel to deliver DBT skills and coaching through brief videos. By focusing on the unique stressors faced by this population, the research seeks to provide tailored mental health support that can help improve emotional regulation and reduce suicidal behaviors. The study will explore the effectiveness of this innovative method in addressing the mental health needs of older individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel and effective intervention to reduce suicide risk among older adults living with HIV/AIDS.
How similar studies have gone: While DBT has shown success in reducing suicidal behaviors in other populations, its application with older adults living with HIV/AIDS using AI technology is a novel approach that has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kozlov, Elissa K — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Kozlov, Elissa K
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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.