Comparing emergency care approaches for youth suicide prevention
Official title: Youth Partners in Care for Suicide Prevention
Run by University of California, Los Angeles · NCT05304065 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether providing emergency care alone or adding follow-up support helps young people aged 13-24 who come to the hospital with suicidal thoughts feel better and stay engaged in mental health treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 13 Years to 24 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 1600 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of California, Los Angeles Academic / other |
| Locations | 5 sites (Los Angeles, California and 4 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 17, 2022 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | December 31, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05304065 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are youth aged 13-24 who have experienced suicidal behavior or ideation within the past week.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with active psychosis, drug dependence, or those who cannot provide informed consent may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This trial evaluates two evidence-based interventions for youth aged 13-24 who present to the Emergency Department with suicidal thoughts or behaviors. It aims to determine the effectiveness of providing care solely in the ED versus a combined approach that includes aftercare follow-up. Participants will be monitored at baseline and through follow-up assessments at 3, 6, and 12 months to assess outcomes related to suicide attempts and mental health treatment engagement. The study addresses critical gaps in current knowledge about optimal intervention strategies for this vulnerable population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved interventions that significantly reduce suicide attempts among youth.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in similar interventions, but this specific comparison of ED and aftercare approaches is novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * age 13-24; * past-week suicidal behavior or ideation with plan or intent Exclusion Criteria: * symptoms or illness that precludes informed consent or engagement in study procedures (e.g., active psychosis; drug dependence, no locator information); * youth not fluent in English * parent not fluent in English or Spanish.
Where it's running
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Ronald Reagan Medical Center
Los Angeles, California, United States Recruiting -
Olive View UCLA Education and Research Center
Sylmar, California, United States Recruiting -
Duke University
Durham, North Carolina, United States Recruiting -
Brown University
Providence, Rhode Island, United States Recruiting -
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Joan R Asarnow, PhD — University of California, Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Lucas Zullo, PhD
- Email: lzullo@mednet.ucla.edu
- Phone: 310 794-4962
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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.