AI-DBT for Suicide Prevention in HIV/AIDS

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Jared Khan, MPH

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Disqualifiers: Severe psychosis, severe substance use, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 6

Duration: 7 weeks

50 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new method to help prevent suicide in older adults living with HIV/AIDS. It employs an AI-powered version of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a therapy that aids in managing strong emotions. Participants will watch short videos and interact with an AI chatbot for coaching over seven weeks. The trial seeks older adults with HIV/AIDS who have shown signs of suicide risk and can use a smartphone for texting and internet access. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative mental health solutions using cutting-edge technology.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your healthcare provider.

What prior data suggests that AI-DBT is safe for older adults living with HIV/AIDS?

Research has shown that Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), the foundation of AI-DBT, can significantly reduce suicidal behaviors by helping individuals manage their emotions more effectively. This is a positive indicator for safety, as DBT is already a trusted method for suicide prevention.

The use of AI in therapy aims to provide an easy and comfortable experience. In AI-DBT, the AI functions like a coach, guiding users through videos and assisting them in learning skills. Although this approach is new, it builds on established therapy practices.

AI-DBT is currently being tested in a pilot study to evaluate its effectiveness and safety. As the treatment is in early testing stages, extensive safety data may not yet be available. However, its basis in DBT, a proven therapy, is promising. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

AI-DBT is unique because it combines artificial intelligence with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to offer a novel approach for suicide prevention in individuals with HIV/AIDS. Unlike traditional therapy, which often involves face-to-face sessions, AI-DBT delivers therapy through short videos and interactive coaching with an AI chatbot. This innovative delivery method makes it more accessible and flexible, allowing individuals to engage with therapeutic content at their own pace. Researchers are excited about AI-DBT because it could provide a scalable, cost-effective solution that reaches more people in need, especially those who may not have easy access to in-person therapy sessions.

What evidence suggests that AI-DBT is effective for suicide prevention in older adults with HIV/AIDS?

Research has shown that Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) helps reduce suicidal behaviors by improving control over negative emotions. Studies have found that DBT can greatly decrease the risk of suicide attempts. For people with HIV/AIDS, tailoring DBT to their needs can help them handle their unique challenges. In this trial, participants in one arm will receive the AI-powered version of DBT, which uses an interactive chatbot to make therapy more accessible. Early research suggests that this AI-DBT method could enhance mental health by offering timely support and skill-building. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Elissa Kozlov, PhD

Principal Investigator

Rutgers

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals aged 50 or older living with HIV/AIDS who are not at immediate risk of suicide but show signs of suicidal thoughts or behavior. They must have a smartphone, be able to use it for texting and internet, and communicate fluently in English or Spanish.

Inclusion Criteria

I am 50 years old or older.

I do not have plans or the intent to harm myself within the next 48 hours.

I have a smartphone that can text and access the internet.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Adaptation

Adaptation of DBT Skills and Coaching for PLWHA to be delivered via AI-powered agent

Not specified

Treatment

Participants receive AI-DBT intervention with 14 videos and AI chatbot coaching over 7 weeks

7 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for self-efficacy to manage emotions and other clinical outcomes

6 weeks

Assessments at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• AI-DBT

Trial Overview

The study tests an adapted version of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) delivered by an AI-powered conversational agent to help manage negative emotions and prevent suicide among older adults with HIV/AIDS.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: AI-DBT Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

AI-DBT group will receive 14 videos under 5 minutes across 7 weeks and the opportunity to engage in skills coaching with an AI chatbot

Group II: usual care Active Control 1 Intervention

Usual care

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Lead Sponsor

Trials

471

Recruited

81,700+

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Collaborator

Trials

3,007

Recruited

2,852,000+

Citations

1.

clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07339189

NCT07339189 | HIV Suicide Prevention With AI-DBT

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) shows significant impact at reducing suicidal behaviors by improving one's self-efficacy to manage ...

2.

reporter.nih.gov

reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10921230

Adapting DBT for Persons Living with HIV/AIDS ...

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) shows significant impact at reducing suicidal behaviors by improving one's self- efficacy to manage negative emotions. To ...

3.

withpower.com

withpower.com/trial/phase-suicide-2026-b7c15

AI-DBT for Suicide Prevention in HIV/AIDS

The study tests an adapted version of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) delivered by an AI-powered conversational agent to help manage negative emotions and ...

4.

sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0005789418300492

Dialectical Behavior Therapy Is Effective for the Treatment ...

DBT has been shown to reduce suicide-related outcomes in published studies. •. This meta-analysis found that DBT was effective for reducing suicidal behavior. •.

5.

medicalxpress.com

medicalxpress.com/news/2026-01-tailored-depression-youth.html

Tailored care model reduces self-harm and depression in ...

Key findings · 54% reduction in self-harm risk among youth receiving the stepped-care approach compared to standard quality improvement alone ...

6.

nimh.nih.gov

nimh.nih.gov/health/trials/suicide-prevention

Suicide Prevention - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

The purpose of this pilot study is to 1) collect initial feasibility, acceptability, and safety data on this adapted treatment, 2) conduct a pilot randomized ...

7.

jamanetwork.com

jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2789028

Effect of Offering Care Management or Online Dialectical ...

In studies including more than 80 000 people attempting or dying by suicide, greater than 60% had health care contacts in the prior 3 months.