Testing Combined Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Youth-Nominated Support for Black Adolescents at Risk of Suicide

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the combination of two psychosocial interventions, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention CBT-SP and the computer-assisted Youth-Nominated Support Team eYST, for Black adolescents aged 12 to 17 who present with suicidal thoughts or self-injurious behaviors. This second pilot study builds on previous findings to test the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary effectiveness of this combined approach in an outpatient community mental health setting. Participants will receive 12 to 14 weekly sessions of CBT-SP, either in person or via telehealth, focusing on reducing suicide risk factors and improving coping skills. Youth will nominate up to five trusted adults who, after parental approval, participate in an orientation session to learn how to support the youth. These support persons maintain weekly contact with the youth and receive weekly follow-ups from the youths clinician or intervention specialist over the three-month intervention period. Youth will be assessed at the start, at 6 weeks, and at 14 weeks, while parents and support persons will be assessed at baseline and 14 weeks. Clinicians will complete fidelity assessments after each session, including those with support persons. Researchers will measure acceptability by tracking youth consent rates and support contacts, as well as feasibility through session attendance and support engagement, to understand how well the combined intervention works in this population over the three-month participation.

Integrating the Youth Nominated Support Team (YST) With CBT for Black Youth With Acute Suicide Risk: Aim 2b