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Emergency Care for Suicidal Youth

This study is a randomized comparative effectiveness trial looking at two ways to help young people (ages 13-24) who come to the Emergency Department (ED) because of suicidal thoughts or behaviors. The first approach, called SAFETY-A, involves a single counseling session in the ED with you and your family to build hope and start mental health treatment. The second approach, called COMB, includes SAFETY-A plus additional follow-up contacts after you leave the ED to help you stay safe and engaged in treatment. The study aims to see which approach is better at reducing suicide attempts and helping you start mental health treatment. We will check on your progress at 3, 6, and 12 months after you join. The study is currently recruiting up to 1600 participants.

Study design
This is a randomized comparative effectiveness trial with a planned enrollment of 1600 participants. It compares two different behavioral interventions.
What's involved
You would be assessed at the start, and then at 3, 6, and 12 months after joining the study.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Participants will be followed for 12 months after joining the study.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT05304065

Safe Treatment for Emergency Presentation for Suicidal Ideation and Behavior in Youth

Recruiting
PHASE2Ages 13–24InterventionalTreatment
University of California, Los Angeles
~1,600 participants
Updated 2025-12-31 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:SAFETY-A within usual ED CareCombined SAFETY-A within usual ED Care + CLASP Therapeutic Follow-Up Contacts

At a glance

Recruiting sites
5 of 5 listed sites are recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Suicide Attempts: Primary Clinical Outcome
Measured over Through 12 months of follow-up
+1 more outcome measured

Conditions

Suicide
Suicidal
Self-Harm

Explore related trials

Suicide

Where it's being run

5 sites across 4 states
California2
North Carolina1
Rhode Island1
Utah1

Study leadership

  • Joan R Asarnow, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of California, Los Angeles
  • David Goldston, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Duke University

Who to contact

Lucas Zullo, PhD
[email protected]
310 794-4962
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

age 13-24;
past-week suicidal behavior or ideation with plan or intent

Exclusion

symptoms or illness that precludes informed consent or engagement in study procedures (e.g., active psychosis; drug dependence, no locator information);
youth not fluent in English
parent not fluent in English or Spanish.

What this trial measures

  • Suicide Attempts: Primary Clinical OutcomeThrough 12 months of follow-up

    suicide attempts fatal, nonfatal, and interrupted

  • Mental Health Treatment Initiation: Primary Service Use OutcomeObserved through 12 months of follow-up, primary end point 6-month follow-up

    initiation of mental health treatment after discharge from ED/hospital