Peer Support Services for Suicide Risk
(YES Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores the impact of Peer Support Services for LGBTQ+ youth involved in public systems like juvenile justice or mental health services who are at risk of suicide. The goal is to determine if adding peer support can enhance outcomes compared to usual behavioral health treatment. One group in the trial will continue with the usual treatment, while the other will receive additional peer support. It is suitable for 12-17-year-olds who identify as LGBTQ+ and have personal experience with self-injurious thoughts or behaviors. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research that could improve support systems for LGBTQ+ youth.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications to join the trial?
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 doctor.
What prior data suggests that Peer Support Services are safe for sexual and gender minority youth at risk of suicide?
Research has shown that Peer Support Services (PSS) are generally safe and well-received by individuals at risk of suicide. In past studies, PSS improved safety plans for patients, offering more support and guidance to those in need.
One study found that after six months, individuals who received peer support had a slightly lower rate of suicide attempts compared to those who did not, suggesting that PSS can help reduce the risk of suicide.
Some serious cases, including suicides, occurred in groups that received peer support, but these were not significantly higher than in groups without it. This indicates that participating in PSS does not necessarily increase risk.
Overall, PSS can support individuals and reduce stigma, encouraging engagement in care, which is important for recovery.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about Peer Support Services (PSS) for suicide risk because it adds a personal connection that traditional treatments often lack. Unlike standard care, which typically involves therapy and medication, PSS connects individuals with peers who have experienced similar challenges, providing emotional support and understanding from someone who truly gets it. This approach not only aims to reduce feelings of isolation but also empowers patients by involving them in a supportive community, potentially leading to better mental health outcomes.
What evidence suggests that Peer Support Services are effective for reducing suicide risk in sexual and gender minority youth?
Research has shown that Peer Support Services (PSS) can help lower the risk of suicide. One study found that six months after starting peer support, 14.9% of participants attempted suicide, compared to 17.2% who did not receive this support. In this trial, participants in the post-implementation period will receive behavioral health treatment as usual, along with referral to and connection with Peer Support Services. Peer support can reduce stigma and encourage individuals to take an active role in their care and recovery. It also fosters a sense of hope and connection, leading to better outcomes. Additionally, when peer specialists assist with safety plans, these plans often become more thorough and effective. Overall, these findings suggest that peer support is a valuable tool in preventing suicide.13456
Who Is on the Research Team?
Dana M. Prince, PhD
Principal Investigator
Case Western Reserve University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for English-speaking sexual and gender minority youth aged 12-17 who have experienced self-injurious thoughts and behaviors. Participants must be involved with juvenile justice, child welfare, or community-based mental health systems and able to give informed assent.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Pre-implementation Period
Behavioral health treatment as usual
Post-implementation Period
Behavioral health treatment as usual plus referral to and connection with Peer Support Services
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in self-injurious thoughts and behaviors, minority stress, depression, recovery, and perceived parent acceptance
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Peer Support Services (PSS)
Trial Overview
The study is evaluating Peer Support Specialist (PSS) services compared to usual treatment methods for these youths at risk of suicide. It aims to assess how practical, acceptable, and effective PSS is in supporting them.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Behavioral health treatment as usual + referral to and connection with Peer Support Services
Behavioral health treatment as usual
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Case Western Reserve University
Lead Sponsor
FrontLine Service
Collaborator
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Collaborator
Citations
Peer Support Intervention for Suicide Prevention Among High ...
The percentage of suicide attempts at 6 months after randomization was 14.9% for peer support recipients (including 2 deaths by suicide) vs 17.2 ...
Peer-based interventions targeting suicide prevention
Peer support may also reduce suicide risk by decreasing stigma, increasing orientation to personal growth and recovery, and encouraging active care engagement ( ...
Peer mentorship to reduce suicide attempts among high ...
Research suggests peer specialists can potentially contribute to improved outcomes for peer support recipients by fostering hope and connectedness and reducing ...
Peer Specialists Can Aid in Suicide Prevention
The researchers found that patient safety plans completed with help from peer specialists were more complete and of higher quality on average ...
Suicide Prevention by Peers Offering Recovery Tactics ...
This paper intends to document the procedures taken in suicide prevention intervention development, specifically those led by peer specialists.
Peer Support Intervention for Suicide Prevention Among ...
The percentage of suicide attempts at 6 months after randomization was 14.9% for peer support recipients (including 2 deaths by suicide) vs 17.2 ...
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