Comparing outpatient crisis intervention to inpatient care for suicidal teens

A Multi-Site Study to Compare the Outcomes of Psychiatric Treatment of Suicidal Adolescents in Different Treatment Settings

Not applicable Interventional Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati · NCT04089254

This study tests whether an outpatient crisis intervention program can help suicidal teens just as well as staying in the hospital.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment1000 (estimated)
Ages12 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorChildren's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati Academic / other
Locations4 sites (Glen Oaks, New York and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04089254 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of an Outpatient Crisis Intervention Clinic (OCIC) compared to traditional inpatient care for adolescents experiencing suicidal ideation. It aims to enroll up to 1,000 participants across four sites over five years, measuring outcomes such as the time to first recurrence of suicidal events and overall treatment satisfaction. The study will also analyze clinical and socioeconomic factors that may influence treatment outcomes, helping to guide families and clinicians in making informed decisions about care settings for suicidal adolescents.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 12 to 17 who are brought to the Emergency Department due to suicidal thoughts or behaviors and require a higher level of care.

Not a fit: Patients who are at serious imminent risk of suicide or require constant supervision may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment outcomes and satisfaction for adolescents experiencing suicidal thoughts.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in evaluating outpatient interventions for mental health crises, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adolescents that are 12 through 17 years old (including 17 year olds who will turn 18 years old during the course of the study).
2. Are brought to the Emergency Department (ED) due to suicidal thoughts or behaviors
3. Require a higher level of care (OCIC or Inpatient) indicated by clinician determination and a CHRT-SR score of 15 to 52.
4. The presence of a legal guardian
5. Capable of giving signed informed consent/assent, which includes compliance with the requirements and restrictions listed in the informed consent form (ICF) and in this protocol.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Adolescents with suicidal thoughts that place themselves at a serious imminent risk of suicide based on clinical judgment.
2. Adolescents who require 24 hour/day supervision but no adult can provide 24 hour/day supervision outside of the hospital
3. Adolescents without the ability to read and answer survey questions
4. Adolescents that are non-English speaking due to the scales and surveys that are used for this study only being available in English.

Where this trial is running

Glen Oaks, New York and 3 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Suicidal IdeationSuicideSuicidalAdolescent
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.