A program to improve mental health care for children in hospitals
Official title: I-CARE: The Effectiveness of a Modular Digital Intervention to Reduce Suicidal Ideation and Emotional Distress During Pediatric Psychiatric Boarding
Run by Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center · NCT06233747 · Data updated 2026-05-14
This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.
This study is testing a new program with videos and activities to help kids aged 12-17 in hospitals feel better and reduce feelings of distress while they wait for mental health treatment.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 12 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 109 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06233747 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 12-17 who present to the emergency department with suicidal ideation or attempts and are awaiting psychiatric care.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with cognitive or developmental delays, psychosis, or those whose primary issue is an eating disorder may not benefit from this program.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial tests the I-CARE program, designed for children aged 12-17 who are in medical hospitals awaiting inpatient mental health treatment. The program includes seven web-based animated videos and workbook activities that teach psychosocial skills, facilitated by licensed nursing assistants. Patients will engage with the program during their hospital stay and provide feedback through online surveys. The aim is to assess the program's feasibility and its impact on reducing emotional distress and suicidal thoughts among participants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve mental health outcomes for hospitalized youth by providing essential psychosocial skills and support.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using digital interventions for mental health support, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adolescents aged 12-17 years * Ability to speak and complete surveys in English * Presented to ED with suicidal ideation or attempt * Awaiting psychiatric disposition * Receiving one-on-one safety supervision * Medically stable Exclusion Criteria: * Cognitive or developmental delays that preclude program participation based on clinical team assessment * Diagnosis of psychosis * Primary reason for hospitalization or ED visit is an eating disorder * Parent/guardian not fluent in English (or Spanish - future plan) * Admission or transfer for psychiatric care anticipated on the first day of potential enrollment * Clinical team concern for patient or staff safety based upon active behavioral concerns * In child protective custody/ward of the state
Where it's running
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Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting -
University of Vermont Medical Center
Burlington, Vermont, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: JoAnna K Leyenaar, MD, PhD, MPH — Dartmouth Health
- Study coordinator: Stephanie C. Acquilano, MA
- Email: stephanie.acquilano@dartmouth.edu
- Phone: 603-848-4742
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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I-CARE digital program to teach coping skills during psychiatric boarding
This project will test whether the I-CARE digital program helps adolescents (ages 12–17) boarding in the emergency department for suicide risk learn coping skills and feel less distressed.
-
Crisis Response Planning added to intensive Cognitive Processing Therapy to reduce suicide risk in PTSD
We will test whether adding Crisis Response Planning to intensive Cognitive Processing Therapy helps reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors in military members and veterans with PTSD.
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Teen Recovery: Inspiration, Support, and Empowerment program
This pilot will test whether an online peer-led recovery and support program helps 15–18-year-olds recently discharged from psychiatric care reduce suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, and re-hospitalization.
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Culturally adapted suicide prevention for Black middle school students in Chicago
This pilot will try a culturally adapted Signs of Suicide program to see if it helps Black middle school students in Chicago recognize suicidal thoughts and get help.
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Recovery Through Inspiration, Support, and Empowerment for Young Adults
This pilot will try peer-led one-on-one and small-group recovery support for 18–27-year-olds recently discharged from acute psychiatric care to help reduce suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, and rehospitalizations.
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Tracking suicide attempts and suicidal thoughts in Flanders
This project collects detailed information about people in Flanders who have suicidal thoughts or who have survived suicide attempts to see how often these events happen, which methods are used, and whether they get follow-up care.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.