Can writing about suicidal thoughts save lives? new trial aims to find out

NCT ID NCT05878795

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Boston University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests a new therapy called Written Exposure Therapy for Suicide Prevention (WET-SP) in 160 active duty military members hospitalized for suicidal thoughts or attempts. Participants either receive the therapy plus standard care, or standard care alone. The therapy involves five sessions of writing about a suicidal crisis to reduce distress and future suicide risk. Researchers will track suicidal thoughts and behaviors for 30 weeks after discharge.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Written Exposure Therapy for Suicide Prevention (WET-SP) - a brief psychotherapy involving writing about a suicidal crisis
What this could lead to: If it works, this could provide a simple, scalable therapy to reduce suicide risk in military members after hospitalization.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage trial with only 160 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The therapy is new and its effectiveness is unproven.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Behavior Suicide, Attempted

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

SUICIDE THREAT SUICIDE, ATTEMPTED

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Texas Health Center San Antonio
RECRUITING

San Antonio, Texas, 78229, United States

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