Evaluating Suicide Intervention Methods for Teens Aged 11 to 17 During High Risk Periods

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating strategies to improve the management of suicide risk in adolescents aged 11 to 17 who are experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors. The study aims to compare two specific behavioral interventions, Safety Planning Intervention with follow-up SPI and Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality CAMS, against usual care. The goal is to develop evidence supporting treatments that can be widely adopted, maintained with quality, and have lasting impact on preventing suicidal events. The study involves three groups one receiving usual care which includes crisis prevention planning and referrals one receiving SPI, a brief intervention with weekly follow-ups between 4 and 8 sessions focusing on recognizing suicidal crisis triggers and creating personalized safety plans and one receiving CAMS, a problem-focused treatment targeting the reasons behind suicidal thoughts with 4 to 8 sessions. Both SPI and CAMS are structured interventions designed to engage adolescents and clinicians in collaborative treatment planning. Participants and their parents will be assessed at baseline and multiple follow-up points over 12 months, including 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 6 months, and 12 months. Assessments will cover demographics, suicidal behaviors and thoughts, self-injury, treatment use, risk perception, sleep, family relationships, and social experiences. The primary outcome is the occurrence of suicidal events at 12 months. Safety and treatment integrity will be monitored throughout, with the study conducted under the oversight of Seattle Childrens Hospital.

Advancing Suicide Intervention Strategies for Teens During High Risk Periods