Using digital therapy to help prevent suicide risk in youth with insomnia after hospital discharge

Digital Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (dCBT-I) to Reduce Suicide Risk among Youth Following Discharge from Acute Hospitalization

NIH-funded research Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. · NIH-10677795

This study is looking at how a smartphone program that helps teens with insomnia can also reduce thoughts of suicide after they've left the hospital, making it easier for them to get better sleep and feel safer.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRutgers, the State Univ of N.j. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Piscataway, United States)
Project IDNIH-10677795 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effectiveness of digital cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (dCBT-I) in reducing suicidal thoughts and behaviors among adolescents who have recently been discharged from acute psychiatric care. The approach involves providing accessible, smartphone-based therapy that targets insomnia, a common issue linked to increased suicide risk. By focusing on improving sleep quality through a structured digital program, the research aims to address a critical period when youth are particularly vulnerable to suicidal behaviors. Participants will engage in a series of sessions designed to alleviate insomnia symptoms and, in turn, reduce the risk of suicidal ideation.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 18 who have recently been discharged from psychiatric hospitalization and are experiencing insomnia.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have insomnia or those who are not within the age range of 12 to 18 may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a scalable and effective intervention to significantly lower suicide risk among adolescents struggling with insomnia.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that digital cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia is effective, indicating that this approach has potential for success in addressing suicide risk in youth.

Where this research is happening

Piscataway, 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.