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Design and Feasibility of an SMS-based Safety Planning Intervention
Sponsor: Northwestern University
Summary
This study is testing whether it is feasible to run a larger randomized controlled trial and whether an automated text messaging program is acceptable to young adults who have suicidal thoughts. The program is designed to help participants create and use a safety plan, which is a personalized list of warning signs, coping strategies, supportive people, professional resources, ways to make their environment safer, and reasons for living. After joining and completing an initial survey, participants are randomly assigned by a computer to one of two groups. One group starts right away with the interactive safety planning text program. The other group first receives simple text messages with 24/7 crisis resources and then, after four weeks, also receives the interactive safety planning program. Participants use the text program for about four weeks and complete online surveys at the start and again over a total period of 24 weeks.
Official title: mHealth for Suicide Prevention: Design, Development, and Feasibility of a Scalable SMS-based Safety Planning Intervention
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 24 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
60
Start Date
2026-04
Completion Date
2027-01
Last Updated
2026-01-27
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Text Messaging based Safety Planning Intervention
A 4-week automated text messaging intervention designed to guide users through the steps of the safety planning process. The intervention delivers structured, interactive messages daily addressing coping strategies, crisis resources, environmental safety, family and friends for support, distraction techniques, and recognition of warning signs.
Facilitated Referral to Crisis Resources
Text messages that are non-interactive and contain referral to crisis services (e.g., the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, the Crisis Text Line, and (c) the Trevor Project Lifeline).