HAVEN-Connect: Church-based suicide prevention for Black youth
Official title: A Multi-Generational Suicide Prevention Program in African American Churches
Run by George Washington University · NCT07401940 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether HAVEN-Connect, a church-centered program, can reduce depression and suicide risk in Black adolescents aged 13–19.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 13 Years to 19 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 240 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | George Washington University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (New York, New York and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 1, 2023 |
| Main results expected | November 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | November 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | July 20, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07401940 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are Black or African American adolescents aged 13–19 who attend a predominantly Black, English-speaking church participating in the study.
✕Probably not a fit
Youth who are not Black or African American, are outside the 13–19 age range, or do not attend participating churches are unlikely to benefit from this specific program.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
HAVEN-Connect is a multi-component depression and suicide-prevention program delivered through predominantly Black churches, combining church community engagement, a faith-informed curriculum for leaders, and a youth-focused intervention. Investigators will implement HAVEN in 12 churches using a cluster randomized waitlist design and enroll about 240 adolescents aged 13–19, with outcomes measured at 1 and 6 months after the start of the program. The trial will measure changes in depression (primary outcome), suicide risk and other mental health symptoms (secondary outcomes), and will test mediators such as youth bonds to peers/adults, self-regulation, and mental health service use. Investigators will also gather implementation data and qualitative feedback from a subset of churches to identify barriers and facilitators for wider rollout.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, HAVEN-Connect could lower depression and suicide risk among Black adolescents and create a scalable, church-based prevention approach.
How similar studies have gone: Previous community- and faith-based mental health programs have shown promising but mixed results, and large randomized tests of church-integrated suicide prevention for Black youth remain limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: For churches: 1. 75% of members self-identify as Black or African American, 2. 75% are fluent in English. Exclusion Criteria for Youth: 1. self-identify as Black/African American, 2. 13-19 years old, are fluent in English Exclusion Criteria: Churches: 1. 25%+ of members self-identify as non-Black or African American 2. 25%+ are not fluent in English. Exclusion Criteria for Youth: 1. do not self-identify as Black/African American, 2. are younger than 13 or older than 19.
Where it's running
-
Mt. Sinai Hospital; Ichon School of Medicine
New York, New York, United States Recruiting -
University of Rochester Medical Center
Rochester, New York, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sherry D Molock, Ph.D., M.Div. — George Washington University, Dept of Psychological & Brain Sciences
- Study coordinator: Sherry D Molock, Ph.D., M.Div.
- Email: smolock@gwu.edu
- Phone: 13017516217
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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.