Adapting a mental health intervention for schools to reduce suicide risk disparities
SAFETY-A for Promoting Equity in Suicide Prevention Outcomes in Schools
This study is testing a new mental health program in under-resourced schools to see if it can help reduce suicide risks and improve access to support for Asian American and Latinx students.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 347 (estimated) |
| Ages | 11 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of California, Los Angeles Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT05834660 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study adapts the Safe Alternatives For Teens and Youth - Acute (SAFETY-A) program for implementation in low-resourced school districts, aiming to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in mental health service utilization following youth suicide risk identification. The intervention will be tailored to address issues such as mistrust of mental health services, internalized stigma, and concealment of emotional distress, particularly among Asian American and Latinx students. The study will involve stakeholder engagement to refine the intervention, a prototyping case series for iterative improvements, and a pilot feasibility trial to assess implementation outcomes and impacts on mental health service utilization.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are youth aged 11-19 enrolled in participating school districts who exhibit suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Not a fit: Patients who are deemed to be in imminent danger and require immediate emergency care, or those unable to participate due to severe cognitive or psychological impairments, will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve mental health service engagement and outcomes for at-risk youth in underserved communities.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in adapting mental health interventions for diverse populations, suggesting potential for this approach to be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age 11-19 2. Enrolled in participating school district 3. Present with suicide thoughts or behavior to school personnel 4. Have an identified caregiver who can participate in the intervention Exclusion Criteria: 1. School personnel determine the student to be at such imminent risk of danger to self that they are unable to benefit from the intervention and must be immediate transported for emergency care. 2. Student is unable to participate in the intervention due to indications of intellectual disability, psychosis, or intoxication
Where this trial is running
Los Angeles, California
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Anna S Lau, PhD — University of California, Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Anna S Lau, PhD
- Email: alau@psych.ucla.edu
- Phone: 310-206-5363
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.