Parent coaching for youth hospitalized due to suicidal thoughts or behaviors

Pilot Intervention for Parents of Psychiatrically-Hospitalized Youth

Not applicable Interventional Stanford University · NCT04797455

This study is testing a coaching program for parents to see if it helps their kids who are in the hospital for suicidal thoughts or behaviors do better after they leave.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages12 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorStanford University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Stanford, California)
Trial IDNCT04797455 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot randomized clinical trial evaluates a parent coaching intervention aimed at improving outcomes for adolescents hospitalized for suicidal ideation, attempts, or self-injury. Parents will receive either the coaching intervention, which includes safety planning and behavioral parenting skills training, or standard treatment during the inpatient stay. The study will assess the feasibility and acceptability of this intervention, as well as its impact on youth treatment responses over time. Participants will be monitored through various assessments at baseline and follow-ups at 3, 6, and 12 months.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 12-18 currently hospitalized for suicidal ideation or attempts, with at least one participating parent.

Not a fit: Patients with psychiatric or medical conditions that hinder participation in assessments or treatment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could enhance the effectiveness of inpatient treatment for youth experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

How similar studies have performed: While similar interventions have shown promise, this specific approach is novel and aims to gather preliminary data for future larger trials.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria are:

* youth is currently hospitalized on the Stanford unit at Mills Peninsula Medical Center, on the Inpatient Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, for suicidal ideation and/or a suicide attempt.
* youth is between the ages of 12-18 (18 year-old youth must still be in high school and living at home with parents for the duration of the study)
* at least one parent/guardian is willing to participate in the study intervention
* youth and parent speak English well enough to complete study treatment and assessments in English

Exclusion criteria are:

• the youth or parent has a psychiatric or medical condition that would interfere with their ability to participate in study assessments and/or treatment (such as acute psychosis, neurological impairment, malnutrition due to anorexia)

Where this trial is running

Stanford, California

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Adolescent - Emotional ProblemSuicide and Self-harmParentingsuicideSelf-Injurious BehaviorBehavioral Symptoms
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.