Using text messages to improve crisis intervention for teens
Official title: Predicting point-of-care outcomes for text message crisis interventions in teens
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-10789428 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a text messaging app called SafeUT can support teens in mental health crises by connecting them with counselors, and it aims to find out how well this helps them get the care they need, especially in areas where mental health services are hard to reach.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $220,694 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MH135280-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10789428 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are teens and young adults experiencing mental health crises who use the SafeUT app.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not using the SafeUT app or are outside the age range of 0-21 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how a text messaging app called SafeUT can help teens in mental health crises by connecting them with counselors. By analyzing over 130,000 text message interactions, the study aims to predict outcomes such as whether users will receive emergency services or continue engaging with their counselors. The project employs advanced machine learning techniques, including natural language processing, to enhance the effectiveness of crisis interventions in real-time. This innovative approach seeks to address the barriers to mental health care access, especially in rural areas.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health crisis interventions for teens, potentially reducing suicide risk.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using technology and machine learning for mental health interventions, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kious, Brent Michael — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Kious, Brent Michael
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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.