NCT07559955 · Columbia University
Adapting Youth Nominated Support Team (YST) to Prevent Suicide
What this study is about
The goal of this study is to conduct a pilot test of a mental health support program called the Youth-Nominated Support Team - Probation (YST-P) for young people ages 12-17 on probation, experiencing suicidal ideation and behaviors (SIB).
View original scientific description
The goal of this study is to conduct a pilot test of a mental health support program called the Youth-Nominated Support Team - Probation (YST-P) for young people ages 12-17 on probation, experiencing suicidal ideation and behaviors (SIB). Young people on probation experience SIB at higher rates than youth in the general population, but often do not receive the mental health care they need due to multi-level barriers. YST-P is adapted from an existing evidence-based, social support intervention, Youth-Nominated Support Team (YST), which is a psychoeducational, social support intervention originally created as an adjunctive to standard behavioral health (BH) treatment for youth with suicide risk following psychiatric hospitalization. YST-P is an adaptation of YST designed to meet the unique needs of youth on probation, addressing their SIB and increasing their uptake of treatment, by leveraging their existing social networks. YST-P is designed as an early intervention program to prevent escalation of SIB and increase probation youths' treatment uptake, bridging them to care. The study entails a single-arm pilot to examine reductions in SIB (within-subject comparison), and increased treatment uptake (comparing YST-P participants to a propensity-matched, historical control). This study will additionally explore theorized mechanisms of intervention action as well as implementation outcomes and barriers/facilitators to YST-P. The goal is for results from this study to inform a larger, fully powered effectiveness trial, as well as future studies leveraging youths' existing social support networks to prevent SIB and bridge them to care.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Youth-Nominated Support Team for Probation
YST-P is a social support intervention to leverage youths' existing relationships as an approach to decrease SIB and address multilevel barriers to care for youth on probation.
Primary outcome measures
Youth Suicide Ideation and Behaviors
Time frame: Assessed at baseline, at completion of the 3-month intervention, and also 6-month post-baseline
Youth suicide ideation and behaviors will be calculated using the GAIN Short Screener (GAIN-SS) ver. 3.0.2. The GAIN-SS is scored on five items, each ranging from 0 to 4, where 0 = never and 4 = problems reported in the past month. Lower scores indicate better outcomes.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- YST-P Pilot Youth on probation, referred to study by YST Intervention Specialist (n=40)
- Conversational in English (self-report/caregiver)
- Age 12-17years 11months (self-report/caregiver)
- Probation involvement (probation staff)
- Have a caregiver who is willing to participate (caregiver)
- Endorsed PY suicidal ideation (probation staff)
- Nominated 2-4 supportive adults, at least 2 of whom are willing to participate (Intervention Specialist, supportive adult) Caregivers, referred to study by YST Intervention Specialist (n=40)
- Conversational in English (self-report)
- Caregiver of a youth who is eligible and willing to participate (probation referral, youth report) Supportive adults, referred to study by YST Intervention Specialist (n=40)
- Participating as a supportive adult in YST-P as indicated by completion of YST-P psychoeducational session (Intervention Specialist report)
- Conversational in English (self-report)
- Approved by youths' caregiver (caregiver)
- Be appropriate as determined by the YST-P Intervention Specialist (Intervention Specialist). Probation staff, assisted by agency leadership (n=15)
- Conversational in English (self-report)
- Employed by Suffolk or Nassau County Probation working with youth (self-report/agency leadership) Intervention Specialists, assisted by agency leadership (n=2)
- Conversational in English (self-report)
- Employed by Hope for Youth Licensed behavioral health clinician (self-report/agency leadership)
- Trained as YST-P Intervention Specialists (Research team)
- Facilitating the YST-P intervention (Research team)
Exclusion criteria
- \- Participants not meeting all inclusion criteria will be excluded from research activities.
Where
- New York, New York
Collaborators
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 2, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations