A Feasibility Open Trial of App-Enhanced Brief CBT for Suicidal Inpatients

A Feasibility Open Trial of App-Enhanced Brief CBT for Suicidal Inpatients

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of integrating Brief Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (BCBT) counseling with a software application (app) to prevent future suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Participants will provide written informed consent. Participants will complete up to 4 sessions of BCBT (depending on length of stay) incorporating the use of a SmartPhone app. This study treatment will be completed in addition to usual care in an open trial design. Assessments will be completed at intake, discharge, and 1-, 2-, and 3-month follow-up.

Inclusion Criteria:

• History of suicide attempt (lifetime) AND active ideation (with or without plan or intent) on admission
• Own and have access to their phone (iPhone or Android with capability to download apps) during their inpatient stay
• Ability to understand the nature of the study and provide written informed consent
• Willing and able to provide at least two verifiable contacts for emergency or tracking purposes
• Expected length of stay long enough to complete the entire treatment protocol

Exclusion Criteria:

• Not fluent in English
• Experiencing current mania or psychosis
• Have lifetime history of schizophrenia spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, or organic brain illness
• Inpatient treatment plan includes detox protocol or electroconvulsive therapy
• Any other psychiatric or medical condition that in the investigator's opinion would preclude informed consent or participation in the trial