Gibbsboro

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of the iCHART integrated Care to Help At-Risk Teens intervention for adolescents aged 12 to 18 who are experiencing depression or suicidal behavior. This study aims to reduce suicide-related events by comparing iCHART to usual treatment in a randomized controlled trial including 900 participants. The study also examines factors that affect treatment response and uses implementation science to assess barriers, facilitators, and outcomes like acceptability and feasibility to support health equity. iCHART combines three main parts a Safety Planning App that helps providers deliver care through an app instead of paper, a Mental Health Screener questionnaire to personalize treatment plans, and a series of text messages over 2 to 3 weeks to encourage engagement with safety plans and treatment. Participants are randomly assigned to either receive iCHART or treatment as usual, which may include a paper safety plan and standard care from their providers. Participants will be actively involved through mental health assessments at baseline and follow-up points up to 12 months, including evaluations of depression severity and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The study also tracks service use, app usage, and participants views on the interventions acceptability, usability, feasibility, and appropriateness. This comprehensive monitoring helps understand how well iCHART works and informs future use in pediatric care settings.