Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 15 to 24

Preventing suicide in homeless youth who use substances

Official title: Suicide Prevention for Substance Using Youth Experiencing Homelessness

Run by Ohio State University · NCT05994612 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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.

More Suicide Prevention trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages15 Years to 24 Years
SexAll
Enrollment300 (estimated)
SponsorOhio State University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Columbus, Ohio)
StatusRecruiting
StartedNovember 20, 2023
Main results expectedJanuary 1, 2029
Study endsJanuary 1, 2030
Registry record updatedApril 16, 2026
Trial IDNCT05994612 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a 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.

Probably not a fit

Patients who require psychiatric hospitalization 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 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.

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 gone: Previous studies have shown some success with cognitive therapy interventions for youth, but this specific approach for homeless youth using substances is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

  • 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

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.