YST Detroit

This NIMH-funded intervention development grant is a partnership between the University of Michigan, the emergency department at Children’s Hospital of Michigan (CHM), and MiSide and is seeking to combine two evidence-based interventions, the Youth Nominated Support Team (YST) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention (CBT-SP), for black youth served by the public mental health system in Detroit. 

Specific Aims:

Aim 1: Development of Integrated Intervention: Integrate an electronic-based version of YST (eYST) with CBT-SP using CBPR methods and the ADAPT-ITT framework, obtaining stakeholder input from youth, parents/guardians, clinicians, and ED/clinic administrators regarding integration, cultural adaptations, and operational feasibility. Develop clinician training and fidelity assessments tools for CBT-SP + eYST. 

Aim 2: Feasibility Pilot: Conduct a community-based pilot feasibility trial of Integrated CBT-SP + eYST for 12 youth who present to the ED for acute suicide-related care. Iteratively refine CBT-SP + eYST to improve acceptability, feasibility, and study procedures, prior to the pilot RCT. 

Aim 3: Pilot RCT: Conduct a pilot RCT with 80 Black youth randomized to receive either CBT-SP or Integrated CBT + eYST to a) assess stakeholder acceptability, feasibility, and barriers to implementation; b) provide preliminary data of CBT + E-YST’s engagement of YST targets (youth engagement in CBT-SP; perceived adult support, perceived “mattering” to others) as well as c) preliminary examination of the added value of YST in alleviating suicidal thoughts and behaviors in Black publicly insured youth post ED discharge.