Preventing suicide in homeless youth who use substances
Suicide Prevention for Substance Using Youth Experiencing Homelessness
This study is trying out a new therapy combined with regular support to see if it can help homeless young people who use drugs and have thoughts of suicide feel better and stay safe.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Ages | 15 Years to 24 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Ohio State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Columbus, Ohio) |
| Trial ID | NCT05994612 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to address the high rates of suicide among homeless youth who use substances by testing an intervention that combines Cognitive Therapy for Suicide Prevention (CTSP) with standard services. The research will involve 300 participants aged 15-24 who have experienced suicidal ideation or attempts, randomly assigned to receive either CTSP plus usual services or usual services alone. The effectiveness of the intervention will be evaluated over 12 months, focusing on suicidal thoughts, substance use, and depressive symptoms. The study seeks to fill a critical gap in effective prevention strategies for this vulnerable population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are homeless youth aged 15-24 who have experienced recent suicidal thoughts or attempts and have a history of substance use.
Not a fit: Patients who require psychiatric hospitalization will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce suicidal ideation and attempts among homeless youth who use substances.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown some success with cognitive therapy interventions for youth, but this specific approach for homeless youth using substances is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 15-24 years * SSI-W score \> 4 or at least one suicide attempt in prior 12 months * Meets criteria for homelessness * At least four uses of alcohol/drugs in prior 30 days Exclusion Criteria: * Youth requires psychiatric hospitalization
Where this trial is running
Columbus, Ohio
- The Ohio State University — Columbus, Ohio, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Natasha Slesnick — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Natasha Slesnick, PhD
- Email: slesnick.5@osu.edu
- Phone: 6142478469
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.