Using a mobile app to support therapy for suicide prevention
Supplementing Brief Psychotherapy With a Mobile App
This study is testing a mobile app that helps adults at high risk of suicide by providing support during tough times to see if it can improve their therapy experience and reduce their suicidal thoughts.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Piscataway, New Jersey) |
| Trial ID | NCT05867316 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to enhance brief psychotherapy for individuals at high risk of suicide by integrating a mobile app designed to provide support during crises. It targets adults who have been admitted to psychiatric care due to suicide risk and focuses on improving emotion regulation and reducing suicidal ideation. The intervention is based on the Unified Protocol, which is tailored to be accessible and effective during critical moments. By leveraging technology, the study seeks to address the challenges faced by patients post-discharge, particularly those who struggle to attend traditional therapy sessions.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have been hospitalized for suicide risk and can communicate in English.
Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairments or those unable to provide informed consent will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce the risk of suicide and self-harm in vulnerable patients during critical periods.
How similar studies have performed: While the integration of mobile apps in mental health interventions is gaining traction, this specific approach targeting post-discharge suicide risk is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult status (18+ years) * Admission to eligible units in our partner hospital with a reason for admission having to do with suicide risk * The ability to speak and write English fluently, * Ownership of and consistent access to an internet-capable smartphone (e.g., an iPhone or Android phone) Exclusion Criteria - The presence of any factor that impairs an individual's ability to provide informed consent and comprehend and effectively participate in the study including: an inability to speak or write English fluently, the presence of gross cognitive impairment due to florid psychosis, intellectual disability, dementia, acute intoxication, or the presence of extremely agitated or violent behavior.
Where this trial is running
Piscataway, New Jersey
- Rutgers University Behavioral Healthcare — Piscataway, New Jersey, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Evan Kleiman — Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
- Study coordinator: Kleiman Lab Research Staff
- Email: kleiman-lab@psych.rutgers.edu
- Phone: 8484452345
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.