A Randomized Clinical Trial Testing the Effectiveness of Telemental Health for Suicidal Patients

The long-term goal of this study is to reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors among treatment-seeking individuals who are experiencing suicidal thoughts or have recently made a suicide attempt. Brief cognitive behavioral therapies for suicide prevention (BCBT) has demonstrated empirical support for reducing suicide attempts as compared to treatment as usual. However, no studies to date have assessed their effectiveness when delivered via telehealth, highlighting an important knowledge gap in light of increased use of telehealth subsequent to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the U.S. In light of this knowledge gap, the primary objective of this study will be to test the effectiveness of brief cognitive behavioral therapy (BCBT) as compared to present-centered therapy (PCT), an active comparator, for the reduction of suicide ideations and attempts when delivered via telehealth.