Evaluating SAFETY A Family-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Program to Prevent Suicide Attempts in Youths Aged 10 to 17

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness, lasting impact, and cost-effectiveness of the Safe Alternatives for Teens and Youth SAFETY intervention, a family-based cognitive-behavioral program designed to prevent suicide in youths aged 10 to 17 years who have recently attempted suicide. The study compares SAFETY to an enhanced version of usual treatment that includes safety planning. The goal is to see if SAFETY reduces subsequent suicide attempts and maintains these benefits up to 60 months after treatment. Participants will receive either the SAFETY intervention or Enhanced Treatment As Usual E-TAU. SAFETY is a 12-week program combining individual and family therapy sessions focused on building safety through safe settings, people, activities, thoughts, and stress reactions. E-TAU includes standard care plus an adapted safety planning intervention involving both youth and their caregivers. Both groups will have access to any required standard psychiatric treatments, including medication and inpatient care. During the study, youth and their caregivers will undergo assessments before treatment, immediately after, and at 3, 12, 24, and 60 months post-treatment. These evaluations include reports on suicide attempts, self-injury, mental health symptoms, functioning, and quality of life using standardized tools. Researchers will also collect data from medical and registry records to track psychiatric care, medication use, education, and employment. The study aims to understand how well SAFETY works, its long-term effects, and its economic value compared to usual care.

Suicide Preventive Psychosocial Treatment for Youths