Avatar-guided digital support for emerging adults with binge drinking and suicidal thoughts

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized feasibility study enrolls 60 emerging adults aged 18–29 who present to emergency departments with alcohol use problems and/or active suicidal ideation. Participants are randomized to receive either an avatar-guided digital intervention with supportive text messages or a freely available suicide safety planning app, and all complete baseline, 4-, 8-, and 12-week assessments plus 28 days of daily diaries. The study examines acceptability, feasibility, safety, and preliminary signals of efficacy on alcohol use, suicidal ideation, and related cognitions, as well as engagement with the daily surveys and research procedures. Secondary aims include qualitative interviews and measurement of service utilization. The trial will also evaluate the practicality of recruiting and following remote participants via MyChart-based processes.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* (1) emergency department admission for alcohol- or suicide-related reason since turning 18, OR treated for incidental suicide risk in the emergency department
* (2) aged 18-29
* (3) speak, read, and understand English
* (4) binge drinking in the past month OR alcohol use problems (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test score \> 5)
* (5) active suicidal ideation in the past month
* (6) owning and having access to a personal smartphone
* (7) willingness to be randomized to an avatar guided intervention for alcohol use problems and suicidal thoughts OR a freely available suicide safety planning app
* (8) for remote MyChart-based recruitment only, have MyChart activated

Exclusion Criteria:

* (1) severe cognitive delay, active psychosis, or heavy intoxication that precludes research participation
* (2) imminent safety risk and have been recently unsafe to themselves or others
* (3) prisoner or are under arrest
* (4) not interested or not willing to be randomized to receive the avatar-guided digital intervention or safety plan app
* (5) under the care of a legal guardian

Where it's running

• UMass Memorial Health - Marlborough Hospital
  Marlborough, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting
• UMass Memorial Health - University Campus
  Worcester, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Lourah M Kelly, PhD — UMass Chan Medical School, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.