Comparing two brief suicide-focused treatments for teens hospitalized with suicidal thoughts or attempts
Compares two single-session treatments in hospitalized teens after suicidal thoughts or attempts.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Youth Suicide Prevention: CAMS-BI vs. Safety Planning in a Randomized Trial
Key facts
- Where
- Cleveland, United StatesSee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 12 and 17 years old?
Source: NCT07628192, who can take part
Where in United States
- The Cleveland ClinicCleveland, United StatesNo longer taking part
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- The Cleveland Clinic
- Trial code
- NCT07628192
- Record updated
- 7 October 2026
- Original description
This study outlines a randomized controlled trial evaluating two brief suicide-specific interventions for adolescents aged 12-17 who are hospitalized for suicidal ideation or attempts. Suicide remains a leading cause of death among youth, and many adolescents are discharged from inpatient care without targeted, suicide-focused treatment, contributing to high rates of readmission and ongoing risk. This study seeks to address that gap by comparing the effectiveness of the Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality-Brief Intervention (CAMS-BI) with the Stanley-Brown Safety Planning Intervention (SPI), both delivered as single-session interventions during inpatient hospitalization.Read full original descriptionShow less
Innovating Suicide Preventative Care for Youth; A Randomized Trial of CAMS- BI Versus Stanley- Brown Safety Planning Intervention in Preventing Suicide Driven Readmission
This study outlines a randomized controlled trial evaluating two brief suicide-specific interventions for adolescents aged 12-17 who are hospitalized for suicidal ideation or attempts. Suicide remains a leading cause of death among youth, and many adolescents are discharged from inpatient care without targeted, suicide-focused treatment, contributing to high rates of readmission and ongoing risk. This study seeks to address that gap by comparing the effectiveness of the Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality-Brief Intervention (CAMS-BI) with the Stanley-Brown Safety Planning Intervention (SPI), both delivered as single-session interventions during inpatient hospitalization.
Participants (N=118) will be randomly assigned to receive either CAMS-BI or SPI. CAMS-BI is a therapeutic, collaborative framework that focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying psychological drivers of suicidality, while SPI is a structured, practical approach that emphasizes immediate safety through coping strategies, support systems, and means restriction. Following the intervention, participants will be monitored for 90 days post-discharge, with follow-ups at 30, 60, and 90 days.
The primary outcome is the rate of psychiatric readmissions and suicide-related emergency department visits within 90 days of discharge. Secondary outcomes include changes in suicidal ideation, measured by the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation, and caregiver confidence in managing their child's safety. Additional measures include distress levels, hopelessness, treatment satisfaction, and engagement.
The study hypothesizes that CAMS-BI will result in lower readmission rates, greater reductions in suicidal ideation, and improved caregiver confidence compared to SPI. Both interventions produce individualized safety or stabilization plans that are shared with patients and caregivers and incorporated into discharge planning to support continuity of care.
Safety protocols are emphasized throughout the study, given the high-risk population. Participants receive standard clinical care, crisis resources, and close monitoring, with procedures in place to address any escalation in suicide risk. Data will be collected using secure systems, and confidentiality will be maintained through de-identification and controlled access.
Overall, this study aims to determine whether a rapid, inpatient, suicide-focused intervention can improve short-term outcomes for high-risk youth and reduce the likelihood of rehospitalization, ultimately informing scalable approaches to suicide prevention in clinical settings.
Inclusion: Adolescents aged 12-17 years; Admitted to inpatient psychiatry for suicide attempt or active suicidal ideation; English-speaking patient and parent/guardian; Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed assent document with a parent/guardian willing and able to sign a written informed consent.
Exclusion: Schizophrenia or history of any type of psychosis including mood related psychosis and brief reactive psychosis; Moderate or severe intellectual disability (IQ less than 70 and those patients in special education classes full time); In custody of Children's Services.