Clinical trial Recruiting at 19 sites Interventional Ages 14 to 25

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 typeInterventional
Ages14 Years to 25 Years
SexAll
Enrollment240 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Lausanne
Academic / other
Locations19 sites (Geneva, Canton of Geneva and 18 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMarch 11, 2025
Main results expectedMay 30, 2027
Study endsSeptember 30, 2028
Registry record updatedDecember 18, 2025
Trial IDNCT06551038 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

  • 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
  • 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.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.