A personalized lifeline: can Stepped-Care in the ER keep suicidal youth engaged in treatment?

This trial tests a family-based, adaptive program for youth aged 8 to 17 who come to the emergency department (ED) with suicidal or self-injurious behavior. The program uses a stepped-care approach, starting with digital psychosocial support and adding text-based communication if needed, to help families engage with community mental health services after discharge. The goal is to see if this tailored intervention is feasible and acceptable, and whether it increases attendance at mental health care and reduces future ED visits.