Feasibility Trial of a Single-Session Crisis Response Planning Intervention for Youth at High Risk for Suicide
Ashley Kendall publishes new research on youth-centered suicide prevention strategies
Ashley Kendall, PhD, Assistant Professor and Associate Center Director of the Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science (CDIS), recently published a new study in collaboration with colleagues at The Ohio State University examining the feasibility of Crisis Response Planning (CRP) for adolescents at high risk for suicide.
The study evaluated a single-session, chat-based version of CRP for youth ages 14–18 who recently reported suicidal ideation. Fifty-one adolescents were randomized to one of three interventions: chat-based CRP, in-person CRP, or a virtual self-guided safety planning control. Researchers assessed feasibility, usability, and preliminary effectiveness across formats.
All three interventions were rated as feasible and acceptable. Notably, the chat-based CRP format was rated as more appropriate than the control condition, and approximately 40% of participants no longer reported past-week suicidal ideation at follow-up. Findings suggest that virtual formats—particularly those that prioritize privacy—may align well with adolescent needs and offer promise for scalable suicide prevention strategies.
Why This Research Matters
Suicide remains a leading cause of death among adolescents, yet access to timely, youth-centered mental health interventions remains limited. This study contributes to the evidence base for scalable, single-session crisis interventions and highlights the importance of implementation-focused research to ensure interventions are both effective and acceptable to young people.
