NCT05834660 · University of California, Los Angeles
SAFETY-A for Promoting Equity in Suicide Prevention Outcomes in Schools
What this study is about
This study will adapt Safe Alternatives For Teens and Youth - Acute (SAFETY-A) for implementation in low-resourced school districts to reduce racial/ethnic disparities in mental health service use (MHS) following identification of suicide risk in youth.
View original scientific description
This study will adapt Safe Alternatives For Teens and Youth - Acute (SAFETY-A) for implementation in low-resourced school districts to reduce racial/ethnic disparities in mental health service use (MHS) following identification of suicide risk in youth. SAFETY-A will be adapted to fit the organizational context of school districts and to reduce mistrust of MHS, internalized stigma, and concealment of youth emotional distress that arise in school suicide risk assessments with Asian American and Latinx students. Following a prototyping case series, a feasibility trial will assign four districts to the timing of SAFETY-A implementation to generate preliminary data on feasibility and impacts on proposed mechanisms and youth MHS utilization and clinical outcomes across racial/ethnic groups.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Safe Alternatives for Teens and Youth-Acute for Schools (SAFETY-A for Schools)
SAFETY-A is a brief, family centered, cognitive-behavioral approach to therapeutic risk assessment and safety planning that can be delivered via school-based providers. The intervention is delivered in one session during which the youth at risk for suicidal behavior works with the provider to identify strengths, supports, understand emotional antecedents and warning signs, identify alternative coping behaviors and thoughts, and ways to keep the environment safe. Youth and families receive follow-up contacts by phone at 1, 2, and 4 weeks after the SAFETY-A session. The primary focus is on the therapeutic mechanisms of hope, reduced intensity of suicidal urges, increased confidence in ability to keep safe. Adaptation of SAFETY-A for Schools will target mechanisms that are presumed to drive disparities in mental health service use among Asian American and Latinx youth: (1) trust in mental health services, (2) internalized stigma, and (3) comfort communicating distress.
Primary outcome measures
Referral Tracking System (Kim et al., 2018)
Time frame: Six months following the intervention
As described in Kim, Kodish, Bear, El-Hendi, Duong \& Lau (2018), we will extract mental health service use outcomes from administrative records maintained by each school district. The variable of interest will be Linkage to Outpatient Care, indexed by a receipt of at least one outpatient session following referral to care.
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
- Enrolled in participating school district
- Present with suicide thoughts or behavior to school personnel
- Have an identified caregiver who can participate in the intervention
Exclusion criteria
- School personnel determine the student to be at such imminent risk of danger to self that they are unable to benefit from the intervention and must be immediate transported for emergency care.
- Student is unable to participate in the intervention due to indications of intellectual disability, psychosis, or intoxication
Where
- Los Angeles, California
Collaborators
Duke University
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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 Feb 28, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations