An Open Pilot Feasibility Study of a Brief Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills-Based Intervention for Suicidal Individuals

This open trial sought to develop and evaluate the preliminary feasibility and effectiveness of a brief, one-time, dialectical behavior therapy skills-based intervention with specific focus on ensuring acceptability to nontreatment-seekers. Treatment-seeking and nontreatment-seeking suicidal individuals were recruited successfully from the community. Both groups found the intervention valuable. Suicide ideation was significantly lower at the 1-month follow-up, while use of the specific skills taught in the intervention increased significantly across time points. These results suggest that the intervention is both acceptable to the target population and that it has potential effectiveness as an intervention for individuals experiencing suicidal ideation.