AAS Conference (Paper Presentation Session)

Background: Latinx population is the largest minoritized group in the United States (US) and still receives worst mental health care than Whites. Evidence Based Treatments (EBTs) for Latinx youth with suicidal behaviors are limited even though some new efforts to address this population have emerged. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an evidence-based treatment (EBT) for depressed youth. However, EBT relevant to minoritized ethnic youth with suicidal behaviors, including Latinx teens, are scarce. A previous study evaluated the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a socio-cognitive-behavioral therapy protocol for suicidal behaviors (SCBT-SB) with Latinx adolescents compared to treatment-as-usual (TAU) in a pilot randomized clinical trial (RCT) obtaining positive results. Intent-to-treat between-group outcomes showed a small-medium effect for the SCBT-SB condition compared to TAU at the twelve-month follow-up for depressive and internalizing symptoms. A large effect was found on suicide attempt in favor of the SCBT-SB. Research Aim: To test the effect of the SCBT-SB versus TAU on suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms in a clinical sample of adolescents under conditions of strong external validity. Method: An ongoing full RCT is in place to test the efficacy and effectiveness of the SCBT-SB compared to TAU under similar high external validity conditions as the previous pilot RCT. Participants are being recruited from an inpatient psychiatric hospital, and a partial program in the Northeast US. Main inclusion criteria are identified as Latinx or Hispanic, have active suicide ideation during the past month or have made a suicide attempt within the past three months, and being fluent in English or Spanish. Main exclusion criteria are psychotic symptoms, cognitive impairment, and substance dependence. The clinical outcomes include suicidal ideation (Suicide Ideation Questionnaire-Junior), suicide attempts (Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale), and depressive symptoms (Children Depression Inventory & Children’s Depression Rating Scale-Revised). All procedures were approved by the hospital IRB where most of the recruitment occurred. Results: As of November 10, 2021, 64 participants have been recruited. The majority identified themselves as cisgender females, 14% identified as Trans or non-binary, and around half identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual or questioning their sexual orientation. Half of the families are second generation immigrants (caregivers were born outside of US and their teen in US). Preliminary results from the three- and six-month follow-ups will be presented as well as clinical challenges and facilitators on working with this population. Conclusion: The SCBT-SB is a promising EBT designed for Latinx youth with STB and their families as shown in a previous pilot RCT but needs further research. This full RCT represent an important step toward assessing the efficacy and effectiveness of this treatment. Consequently, addressing the gap of providing EBT and quality care for Latinx youth with STB.