16 Participants NeededMy employer runs this trial

Bridge the Gap for Suicide Prevention

(Bridge the Gap Trial)

TT
AW
Overseen ByAmy West, PhD
Age: < 18
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Children's Hospital Los Angeles
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new group program called Bridge the Gap (BTG) - Black Youth Group, aimed at reducing suicidal thoughts and behaviors in Black youth while enhancing hope and support from family and friends. The program includes a 10-week group session designed to positively impact participants' lives. It seeks young people aged 12-17 who identify as Black or African American and have recently experienced suicidal thoughts. Participants must have guardian permission to join. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to important research that could influence future support programs for Black youth.

What prior data suggests that this intervention is safe for black youth?

Research has shown that the Bridge the Gap (BTG) - Black Youth Group treatment is still under study to ensure its safety. This trial does not test drugs; it focuses on group activities to support mental health. It uses group discussions and activities rather than medication.

Generally, group activities are safe because they involve talking and sharing experiences, without the medical side effects drugs might have. However, it is important to determine if participants find the sessions helpful and comfortable.

For those considering joining, the goal is to make these sessions both effective and supportive. Participants can share feedback, which helps researchers improve the program's safety and usefulness.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

"Bridge the Gap" is unique because it specifically targets Black youth, a group that is often underserved by traditional suicide prevention programs. Most current treatments for suicide prevention focus on general therapeutic approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy or medication, which may not address cultural-specific stressors. This program offers a tailored 10-week group intervention that considers cultural and community factors, which could lead to more effective engagement and outcomes. Researchers are excited because this culturally sensitive approach has the potential to significantly improve mental health support and reduce suicide rates within this community.

What evidence suggests that the Bridge the Gap intervention might be effective for suicide prevention in black youth?

Research has shown that suicide rates among Black youth have been rising quickly in recent years. This trend is concerning because it suggests that traditional prevention methods might not be as effective for this group. One study found that specialized suicide prevention programs can greatly improve mental health and reduce suicidal behaviors. These programs also help boost confidence in one's ability to succeed and encourage seeking help. Early results suggest that focusing on the unique cultural experiences of Black youth can enhance the effectiveness of these programs. This trial will evaluate the Bridge the Gap group, a culturally adapted program designed to reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors while increasing protective factors such as hope and family support.16789

Who Is on the Research Team?

TT

Tia Tyndal, PhD

Principal Investigator

Children's Hospital Los Angeles

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

Inclusion Criteria

I am between 12 and 17 years old.
I am Black, African American, or of African descent.
I have had thoughts of suicide in the past month.
See 1 more

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants attend a 10-week group intervention and complete pre-treatment and post-treatment assessment measures

10 weeks
Weekly group sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

12-13 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Bridge the Gap (BTG) - Black Youth Group

How Is the Trial Designed?

1

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Treatment ArmExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Children's Hospital Los Angeles

Lead Sponsor

Trials
257
Recruited
5,075,000+

American Psychological Foundation

Collaborator

Trials
20
Recruited
2,200+

Citations

NCT06880809 | Bridge the Gap (BTG) - Black Youth Group

-To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the group, as well as the preliminary efficacy of the group for decreasing suicidal thoughts and behaviors and ...

Project Details

Project Abstract Recent data show alarming increases in suicide mortality among Black youth combined with concerning disparities in access to and engagement ...

Understanding the Rising Suicide Risk Among Black Youth

Suicide rates among Black youth (children, adolescents and young adults) have risen sharply in recent years, surpassing those of other racial ...

Preventing suicide: a public health approach to a global ...

This Series paper presents a public health model that emphasises the broad social determinants of suicide and describes a framework through which these might be ...

The Crisis of Black Youth Suicide in America

Finally, the suicide death rate among Black youth has been found to be increasing faster than any other racial/ethnic group. When examining suicidal ideation ...

Black Youth Suicide: Investigation of Current Trends and ...

This study examines current trends and precipitating circumstances of suicide by sex and age group in Black youth 5 to 17 years of age, using 2 national ...

SAMHSA's Black Youth Suicide Prevention Initiative

The goal of the Black Youth Suicide Prevention Initiative is to reduce the suicidal thoughts, attempts, and deaths of Black youth and young adults between the ...

Emergency Task Force On Black Youth Suicide & Mental ...

Over the last several years, data has emerged indicating an alarming increase in the suicide rates for Black children and teenagers over the past generation ...

A Promising Target for Preventing Suicide in Black Youth?

We assert that sleep health [8] is a promising target for youth suicide prevention in general, with particular promise for preventing suicide among Black youth ...