Implementing an Interpersonal Theory of Suicide Treatment Approach to Improve Outcomes in Suicidal Youth

The trial will be conducted in a program where half of the clients are enrolled into either the original program (SPARC A which has a general focus on negative cognitions) or SPARC B (which will overlap significantly with SPARC A but targets in some sessions specific negative cognitions of perceived burdensomeness). The program is already structured so that each patient consistently attends either a morning or an afternoon track, with different therapists running each track. This allows for separate programs in each track. Clinically justifiable innovations are routinely introduced into the program usually in a stepwise fashion in one or another part by one set of therapists at a time. The investigators propose to take advantage of this partial introduction by assessing relative impact of SPARC A and SPARC B on depressive symptoms and suicide ideation. The investigators have no data to indicate that one program will be better than the other. The investigation will, however, allow the investigators to assess whether this innovation in fact is effective. Patients will not be randomized at the individual level, but rather their time slot (usually decided based on opening within the program) will place them into either SPARC A or SPARC B. The two programs are of identical length with numerous features in common, differing only in the specificity of the exercises and examples and their relevance to perceived burdensomeness. Routine assessments at entry and discharge from the program will not change based on study enrollment. However, suicide ideation, depressive symptoms, and negative cognitions (perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness) will be more formally assessed at the one-month follow-up meeting or phone call which will add approximately 10 minutes to the contact.