Comparing emergency care approaches for youth suicide prevention
Youth Partners in Care for Suicide Prevention
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 |
| Enrollment | 1600 (estimated) |
| Ages | 13 Years to 24 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of California, Los Angeles Academic / other |
| Locations | 5 sites (Los Angeles, California and 4 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05304065 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are youth aged 13-24 who have experienced suicidal behavior or ideation within the past week.
Not a fit: Patients with active psychosis, drug dependence, or those who cannot provide informed consent may not benefit from this study.
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 performed: Previous studies have shown promise in similar interventions, but this specific comparison of ED and aftercare approaches is novel.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Los Angeles, California and 4 other locations
- 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
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.