A system to prevent suicide in Black youth
Answering the Alarm: A System of Care for Black Youth at Risk for Suicide
This study is testing a new care system called WeCare to see if it can help reduce suicide risk among Black youth by providing better support and screening in emergency departments.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 2200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Years to 19 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | New York University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT05654207 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to address the rising rates of suicidal ideation among Black youth by implementing a comprehensive care system called WeCare. The approach includes universal screening for suicide risk using the Computerized Adaptive Screen for Suicidal Youth (CASSY), a brief intervention tailored for Black adolescents in emergency departments, and supportive text messaging for both youth and their caregivers. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of this multi-faceted strategy in improving suicide risk detection and providing necessary support. By integrating input from various stakeholders, the study seeks to enhance the implementation of this intervention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are Black adolescents aged 12-19 who present to emergency departments with suicidal ideation and have a parent or guardian available to provide consent.
Not a fit: Patients who are medically unstable, have severe cognitive impairments, or are currently receiving mental health treatment may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce suicidal ideation and improve mental health outcomes for Black youth.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using similar multi-component interventions for suicide prevention, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria adolescent and parent/guardians: * Adolescents aged 12-17 years and their parents or guardians, and adolescents 18-19 years who have the option for their parent or guardian to participate * Having a parent/caregiver present in the ED to consent (12-17 year olds, only) * Having a cellular phone with text messaging capacity * Adolescent able to speak English, and understand study questions * Parents able to consent in English, Spanish, French or Creole * Meet screening criteria Exclusion criteria adolescent and parent/guardians: * Adolescent is medically unstable * Adolescent present with severe cognitive impairment * Parents are not present in the ED and available to give consent in either English, Spanish, French or Creole (12-17 year olds, only) * Adolescent does not have access to cellular phone * Adolescents active in mental health treatment (e.g., seen a therapist, social worker, or mental health provider in the last week)
Where this trial is running
New York, New York
- Kings County Hospital — New York, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Michael A Lindsey, PhD — New York University
- Study coordinator: Michael A Lindsey, PhD
- Email: michael.lindsey@nyu.edu
- Phone: (212) 998-5959
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.