Suicidal Ideations

This study will investigate a multi-level approach that applies technology-assisted methods to reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors (SIB) and promote mental health among Colombian youth: (a) digital platform for youth; (b) digital platform for teachers; and (c) hybrid mental health training diploma program for teachers. This approach will evaluate an open-access digital platform for suicide prevention among Colombian youth. Key features of the digital platform include mental health self-help tools, a customizable safety plan, links to online counseling services, and gamification elements. The digital platform's teacher interface will incorporate psychoeducation, brief suicide-risk screening and decision support tools to enhance teacher capacity to assess risk for suicide and refer youth to the appropriate level of services. Study investigators will conduct a hybrid-type 1 implementation-effectiveness stepped wedge pilot trial design to evaluate the digital platform and hybrid mental health teacher training program implemented within secondary schools in Bogota, Colombia. Study aims are to: Aim 1. An initial needs assessment will be conducted with key stakeholders (youth, teachers, caregivers, school administrators) to identify barriers and facilitators to successful implementation of the multi-level approach. User-centered design methods will be used to refine the digital platform and incorporate end-user feedback into the final prototype. Aim 2. Investigators will evaluate: (a) feasibility, acceptability, and usability of the digital platform across three schools in Colombia; and (b) the preliminary effects of the digital platform in reducing SIB and improving mood (e.g., anxiety/depression) among Colombian youth aged 14-19 attending the three schools. Safety planning skills acquisition (youth-level) and linkages to mental health services (service-level) will be assessed as potential mechanisms of change. Aim 3. The study will apply a multi-disciplinary capacity building model to strengthen behavioral health and implementation science research, healthcare delivery capacity, and mental health policy. In partnership with Pontificia Javeriana University, experts in suicide prevention, data science, and implementation science will be engaged to build in-country research capacity at the individual and institutional level.

This study will investigate a multi-level approach that applies technology-assisted methods to reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors (SIB) and promote mental health among Colombian youth: (a) digital platform for youth; (b) digital platform for teachers; and (c) hybrid mental health training diploma program for teachers. This approach will evaluate an open-access digital platform for suicide prevention among Colombian youth. Key features of the digital platform include mental health self-help tools, a customizable safety plan, links to online counseling services, and gamification elements. The digital platform's teacher interface will incorporate psychoeducation, brief suicide-risk screening and decision support tools to enhance teacher capacity to assess risk for suicide and refer youth to the appropriate level of services. Study investigators will conduct a hybrid-type 1 implementation-effectiveness stepped wedge pilot trial design to evaluate the digital platform and hybrid mental health teacher training program implemented within secondary schools in Bogota, Colombia. Study aims are to: Aim 1. An initial needs assessment will be conducted with key stakeholders (youth, teachers, caregivers, school administrators) to identify barriers and facilitators to successful implementation of the multi-level approach. User-centered design methods will be used to refine the digital platform and incorporate end-user feedback into the final prototype. Aim 2. Investigators will evaluate: (a) feasibility, acceptability, and usability of the digital platform across three schools in Colombia; and (b) the preliminary effects of the digital platform in reducing SIB and improving mood (e.g., anxiety/depression) among Colombian youth aged 14-19 attending the three schools. Safety planning skills acquisition (youth-level) and linkages to mental health services (service-level) will be assessed as potential mechanisms of change. Aim 3. The study will apply a multi-disciplinary capacity building model to strengthen behavioral health and implementation science research, healthcare delivery capacity, and mental health policy. In partnership with Pontificia Javeriana University, experts in suicide prevention, data science, and implementation science will be engaged to build in-country research capacity at the individual and institutional level.

The current study aims to test the feasibility of a new form of group therapy for women who have a history of interpersonal trauma and current suicidal ideation. The Building Empowerment and Resilience (BEAR) Therapeutic group has been adapted for women who have experienced trauma and have current suicidal ideation. It incorporates psychological skills, psychoeducation about trauma and gender-based violence, and physical self-defense training, all within a therapeutic process. It will be implemented with women who have experienced interpersonal trauma (physical, sexual, or emotional abuse/neglect) and experience various mental health difficulties, including suicidal ideation. We aim to assess the feasibility to recruit and implement the BEAR group. Our ultimate aim is to assess whether the program can effect self-efficacy and suicidal ideation.