Evaluating a prevention program for suicidal behavior in at-risk adolescents
Official title: Evaluating Primary Suicide Prevention in Adolescents With Risk Factors
Run by University of Lausanne · NCT06551038 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new program to help prevent suicidal thoughts and behaviors in at-risk teenagers, including those in detention or facing mental health challenges, to see if it works better than an art-based activity.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 14 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 240 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Lausanne Academic / other |
| Locations | 19 sites (Geneva, Canton of Geneva and 18 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 11, 2025 |
| Main results expected | May 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | September 30, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | December 18, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06551038 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are adolescents aged 14 to 18 who are considered vulnerable due to their circumstances.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are currently enrolled in another suicide prevention intervention or whose acute psychiatric conditions may be exacerbated by participation will 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 project aims to assess the effectiveness of a brief primary suicide prevention intervention specifically designed for vulnerable adolescents, including those in juvenile detention, at risk of school dropout, undergoing psychiatric treatment, or belonging to sexual or gender minorities. The study employs a randomized controlled trial methodology to compare the intervention against an art-based control intervention. The primary outcome measures include suicide awareness, psychological distress, and suicidal thoughts. By focusing on marginalized populations, the study addresses a significant gap in existing suicide prevention research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors among vulnerable adolescents.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been encouraging results in suicide prevention among general adolescent populations, this specific focus on vulnerable groups is relatively novel and underexplored.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Vulnerable adolescents defined as being: 1) detained in juvenile detention centers, 2) disconnected from school, 3) in treatment for psychiatric disorders, 4) belonging to a sexual or gender minority, 5) affected by chronic conditions, or 6) with relational/familial problems. * Age 14 to 25 years old. * Good knowledge of French. * Accepting to sign the informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * The medical/educational staff considers that the intervention will interfere with appropriate management of acute psychiatric disorder or may cause harm to self or other. * Being enrolled in another suicide prevention intervention during the study period.
Where it's running
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Dialogai et Totem
Geneva, Canton of Geneva, Switzerland Recruiting -
Programme ForMe (anciennement SEMO) et dispositif ProPULSE
Plan-les-Ouates, Canton of Geneva, Switzerland Recruiting -
Centre de Détention et d'Observation La Clairière
Vernier, Canton of Geneva, Switzerland Recruiting -
Programme Intégration et Formation Professionnelle
Vernier, Canton of Geneva, Switzerland Recruiting -
Agnodice
Lausanne, Canton of Vaud, Switzerland Recruiting -
Vogay
Lausanne, Canton of Vaud, Switzerland Recruiting
Show 13 more locations
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Centre Thérapeutique de Jour pour Adolescents
Lausanne, Canton of Vaud, Switzerland Recruiting -
Unité de Soins Psychiatriques Fermée pour Mineurs
Lausanne, Canton of Vaud, Switzerland Recruiting -
Établissement de Détention pour mineurs et jeunes adultes Les Léchaires
Palézieux, Canton of Vaud, Switzerland Recruiting -
Centre éducatif fermé de Pramont
Sierre, Valais, Switzerland Recruiting -
CAP Formations, Cité des Métiers
Geneva, Switzerland Recruiting -
Unité de Liaison Ambulatoire et Hospitalière, Service de psychiatrie de l'enfant et de l'adolescent, HUG
Geneva, Switzerland Recruiting -
Foyers de Gilly
Grand-Lancy, Switzerland Recruiting -
Foyer de Chailly
Lausanne, Switzerland Recruiting -
Ren'Fort
Lausanne, Switzerland Recruiting -
Foyer La Pommeraie
Lonay, Switzerland Recruiting -
Service des Parcours Individualisé
Onex, Switzerland Recruiting -
Le Repuis
Petit Lancy, Switzerland Recruiting -
Astural, Parcours A2mains
Thônex, Switzerland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Stéphanie Baggio, Prof. — Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern
- Study coordinator: Stéphanie Baggio, Prof.
- Email: stephanie.baggio@unibe.ch
- Phone: +41316846774
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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-
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-
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This project will test whether adding a computer-assisted Youth-Nominated Support Team to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention helps Black adolescents (ages 12-17) who come to an urban emergency setting with suicidal thoughts or self-injury.
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Online suicide prevention and intervention training for secondary school counselors
This tests an online suicide prevention and intervention training program for secondary school counselors to see if it improves their knowledge, confidence, attitudes, and reduces stigma about suicidal behavior.
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This project will test whether HAVEN-Connect, a church-centered program, can reduce depression and suicide risk in Black adolescents aged 13–19.
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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.