COLUMBUS, Ohio — A new research initiative is underway to address a critical gap in mental health services for homeless youth struggling with substance use. This vulnerable population faces a high risk of suicide, with suicide being the leading cause of death among them.
The study is led by researchers at The Ohio State University.
The research team will recruit 300 participants from shelters and outreach programs who have recently used substances and are experiencing suicidal ideation or have attempted suicide. Half of the participants will receive Cognitive Therapy for Suicide Prevention (CTSP) in addition to standard services like outreach and referrals. The other half will receive only standard services.
Researchers will track the participants’ progress over a year, measuring changes in suicidal thoughts, substance use, and depressive symptoms. They will also explore how factors like gender, race, and sexual orientation might influence the effectiveness of the intervention.
This study is one of few clinical trials specifically designed to prevent suicide among homeless youth by directly addressing suicidal thoughts. Researchers hope that CTSP, combined with standard services, will lead to significant reductions in suicidal ideation, substance use, and depression. Additionally, the study will evaluate the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of implementing CTSP in real-world settings.