BH-Works Suicide Prevention Program for Youth Suicide Risk

Enrolling by invitation at 4 trial locations

Age: < 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Disqualifiers: Limited English proficiency, comprehension issues

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial focuses on a program designed to help prevent suicide among LGBTQ youth, who often face higher risks of suicidal thoughts and attempts. The program, called BH-Works, includes tools such as staff training, mental health screening, and support systems to connect youth with appropriate care. It aims to adapt these resources specifically for LGBTQ organizations to enhance their effectiveness. The trial seeks youth who are accessing services at participating LGBTQ organizations and currently experiencing thoughts of self-harm. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity for participants to contribute to the development of tailored mental health resources for LGBTQ youth.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications.

What prior data suggests that the BH-Works Suicide Prevention Program is safe for youth?

Research has shown that the BH-Works Suicide Prevention Program is generally well-received. Schools and other institutions have used this program to identify and support students who may be at risk. It emphasizes screening, training, and coordinating referrals to ensure young people at risk of suicide receive necessary help.

No reports of negative side effects or problems have emerged from using the BH-Works program itself. This is likely because the program provides support and resources rather than medication or treatments that might cause physical side effects.

Since this trial does not involve drugs, the main safety concerns focus on ensuring the program is accessible and effective for the young people it aims to help. By adapting it for LGBTQ+ communities, the program seeks to offer even more support and effectiveness for sexual and gender minority youth. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the BH-Works Suicide Prevention Program for Sexual and Gender Minority Youth because it is specially adapted for LGBTQ+ communities, offering a tailored approach that existing general suicide prevention programs may lack. Unlike traditional methods, which often don't address the unique challenges faced by sexual and gender minority youth, this program integrates screening, training, and referral coordination within LGBTQ+ Community Organizations. This comprehensive and community-focused strategy aims to create a more supportive and effective environment for identifying and reducing suicide risk among these vulnerable groups.

What evidence suggests that the BH-Works program is effective for youth suicide prevention?

Research has shown that the BH-Works Suicide Prevention Program, studied by mental health and child care experts, seems promising in preventing youth suicide. This trial will implement the adapted version of the BH-Works program for sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth, known as SGM BH-Works, within LGBTQ+ Community Organizations. The program offers crucial support by creating policies, training staff, and screening for mental health issues, which are vital for assisting SGM youth. Early results suggest these efforts improve suicide prevention by ensuring young people receive timely help. The program also uses an online platform to enhance communication and coordination, boosting its effectiveness. Although limited data exists specifically for SGM youth, the program's success with a broad range of young people suggests it could be beneficial. ^{2 3 4 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Jody M. Russon, PhD

Principal Investigator

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for young individuals who are part of the sexual and gender minority (SGM) community, currently experiencing suicidal thoughts, and seeking services at participating LGBTQ organizations.

Inclusion Criteria

Youth must be seeking services at the participating LGBTQ organizations

Youth must endorse current suicidal ideation on the BHS

Exclusion Criteria

Youth lack enough English-language proficiency to complete the BH-Works program

I understand what is required to participate in this study.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 month

Initial screening and consent process

Adaptation and Training

Adaptation of BH-Works for LGBTQ organizations and training of staff in suicide risk management and affirmative care

18 months

Bi-monthly training consultations

Pilot Program Implementation

Pilot the adapted BH-Works program within LGBTQ organizations and collect initial feedback

1 month

Focus groups and feedback sessions

Program Evaluation

Run the program and collect data on feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness

17 months

Ongoing data collection and evaluation

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for program satisfaction and effectiveness after implementation

2 months

Closing focus groups and interviews

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• The BH-Works Suicide Prevention Program for Sexual and Gender Minority Youth

Trial Overview The BH-Works Suicide Prevention Program is being tested to see if it can help prevent suicide among SGM youth. It includes policy support, staff training, health screening, safety planning, referral systems, data analytics for monitoring programs and a collaborative structure for long-term use.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: SGM BH-Works Implementation Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

For this phase of the study, the adapted version of the BH-works program (SGM BH-Works) will be implemented into LGBTQ+ Community Organizations. The BH-Works program offers screening, training, and referral coordination.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

162

Recruited

26,900+

Drexel University

Collaborator

Trials

160

Recruited

48,600+

Thomas Jefferson University

Collaborator

Trials

475

Recruited

189,000+

Carilion Clinic

Collaborator

Trials

85

Recruited

15,400+

Diversity Camp, Inc.

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

260+

Mazzoni Health Center

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

260+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth are at a higher risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors compared to their cisgender peers, highlighting the urgent need for effective treatments.

A case study of a self-identified gender nonconforming adolescent showed that modifications to attachment-based family therapy (ABFT) led to significant reductions in suicidal symptoms and improved family communication over 24 weeks, suggesting that ABFT may be a promising intervention for TGD youth at risk for suicide.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Demonstrating Attachment-Based Family Therapy for Transgender and Gender Diverse Youth with Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior: A Case Study. Russon, J., Smithee, L., Simpson, S., et al.[2022]

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05922670

The BH-Works Suicide Prevention Program for Sexual and ... Compared to their heterosexual and cisgender peers, sexual and gender minority (SGM) adolescents report higher rates of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts.

2. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-suicide-7-2022-40e74

BH-Works Suicide Prevention Program for Youth ... It offers support for policy development, staff training, suicide and behavioral health screening, technology-assisted safety planning, an electronic patient ...

3. mdlogix.com mdlogix.com/provenance-validation-2/

Provenance & Validation | bhworks by ... bhworks has been validated and researched by clinicians and experts in the fields of psychiatry, psychology, and pediatrics.

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3119363/

Long-term Outcomes for the Promoting CARE Suicide ... This paper analyzes longitudinal data from this comprehensive prevention program that was presented to 615 high school youth and their parents, depicting the ...

5. dbhdd.georgia.gov dbhdd.georgia.gov/bh-prevention/suicide-prevention

Suicide Prevention | Georgia Department of Behavioral Health ... Through a multi-faceted approach of suicide prevention trainings, public policy, evidence-based interventions, and postvention strategies.

6. thetrevorproject.org thetrevorproject.org/get-help/

24/7 Suicide Hotline for LGBTQ Youth - We're here for you ... Connect to a crisis counselor 24/7, 365 days a year, from anywhere in the US via text, chat, or phone. The Trevor Project is 100% confidential and 100% free.

7. mdlogix.com mdlogix.com/uses/school-systems/

bhworks in School Systems bhworks gives students the opportunity to enter responses on a computer or mobile device, helping schools screen whole student populations.