Digital peer-support program using recovery stories for suicidal adolescents
A Pilot Evaluation of a Digital Peer Support Intervention for Suicidal Adolescents
NA · Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NCT06349915
The team will try a brief, low-cost digital program that shares short recovery stories to see if it reduces suicidal thoughts in ethnically diverse teens in The Bronx.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 46 (estimated) |
| Ages | 14 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Albert Einstein College of Medicine (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (The Bronx, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT06349915 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a single-arm pilot testing a smartphone-delivered intervention called SWEEP that provides one peer recovery narrative per day for 14 days to adolescents with recent suicidal thoughts and depression. Participants (n=46 in Phase 2) will receive narratives in audio and text formats and complete ecological momentary assessments of suicidal thoughts five times daily via an app. Six participants receiving outpatient psychiatric care will also complete post-intervention qualitative interviews to refine procedures. The primary outcome is reduction in intensity of suicidal thoughts over the 14-day period.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adolescents in The Bronx with past-month suicidal thoughts and major depressive disorder who can read/write English and own an Android or Apple smartphone with a data plan are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with active mania, active psychosis, autism spectrum disorder, inability to read/write English, or those without a smartphone or who need more intensive immediate care are unlikely to benefit from this brief digital program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the intervention could offer a scalable, culturally responsive, low-cost way to reduce suicidal thinking among underserved adolescents.
How similar studies have performed: Some prior digital peer-support and narrative-based interventions have shown promise for improving mood and engagement, but rigorous evidence for suicide-specific reductions is limited and this specific approach is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * past-month history of suicidal thoughts * past-month history of Major depressive disorder * possession of apple or android smartphone with data plan Exclusion Criteria: * inability to read/write in English * Active mania * Active psychosis * Autism spectrum disorder
Where this trial is running
The Bronx, New York
- Montefiore Health System — The Bronx, New York, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Peter J Franz, Ph.D. — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Peter J Franz, Ph.D.
- Email: peter.franz@einsteinmed.edu
- Phone: 6077278620
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.
Conditions: Suicide, digital intervention, community participation, ecological momentary assessment