Digital tool for teens to help stop NSSI
Official title: Developing a Digital Intervention for Adolescent Nonsuicidal Self-injury
Run by Northwestern University · NCT07224165 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small study will test a teen-focused app that delivers a guided digital program to see if it’s feasible for teens 14–18 who currently hurt themselves but aren’t in therapy.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 14 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Northwestern University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 4, 2026 |
| Main results expected | May 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | July 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 8, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07224165 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are youths aged 14–18 with current NSSI (2 or more days in the past month), who can use a smartphone and have sufficient English to participate, and are not engaged in psychotherapy.
✕Probably not a fit
Teens with severe mental health conditions or active suicide plans or treatment may not benefit from this digital approach.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a two-arm feasibility study of an 8-week digital mental health intervention for adolescents who engage in nonsuicidal self-injury and are not in treatment. One arm uses an interactive conversational agent to deliver psychoeducation and skills, while the control arm provides non-interactive psychoeducational content via the same app. Participants will be randomized 1:1 with block sizes of 4 or 6, and randomization is managed by a biostatistician after baseline assessment. Primary outcomes look at how often and how severely NSSI occurs (ABASI) and help-seeking behavior (AHSQ). Secondary implementation outcomes assess acceptability (IAM) and appropriateness (AIM).
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the intervention could be a feasible and acceptable digital option to support teens who self-injure and are not yet in formal treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Similar digital interventions for adolescent mental health have shown feasibility and acceptability, though efficacy for NSSI is still being explored.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Current NSSI (NSSI on 2 or more days in the last month * English language skills sufficient to engage in the consent and intervention procedures * Age 14-18 * Access to smartphone Exclusion Criteria: * Severe mental health diagnoses for which this intervention would be inappropriate (psychotic disorders, active manic episodes) * Severe suicide risk, including suicidal ideation with a plan and intent to act * Current engagement in psychotherapy
Where it's running
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, Illinois, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Kaylee Kruzan, PhD, LCSW
- Email: kaylee.kruzan@northwestern.edu
- Phone: 312-503-3114
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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.