Randomized Trial of Brief Skills for Safer Living to Reduce Suicide Risk in Adults

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Brief Skills for Safer Living Brief-SfSL, a single-session individual psychotherapy designed to reduce suicide risk. The study involves 150 adults across Canada who experience suicidal thoughts. The trial compares Brief-SfSL plus treatment as usual B-TAU with treatment as usual plus a 3-month waitlist for Brief-SfSL WL-TAU. The purpose is to determine if Brief-SfSL improves suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, social connectedness, emotional regulation, and functioning over three months. Participants are randomly assigned to two groups one receiving the Brief-SfSL session within one week after screening, and the other placed on a waitlist to receive the intervention three months later. Brief-SfSL is a 90-minute behavioral therapy session that helps individuals understand their suicidal thoughts, develop safety skills, and create enhanced safety plans by addressing barriers to following the plan. The study will monitor outcomes over three months post-intervention. During the study, participants will complete assessments measuring suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, anhedonia, social connectedness, functioning, emotional regulation, executive control, and social problem-solving. Safety is tracked by monitoring adverse events and suicide severity throughout the study. Participants need access to internet and devices for virtual sessions, and follow-up will last approximately three months after receiving the intervention.

Brief Skills for Safer Living (Brief-SfSL)