Suicidal Individuals and Mental Health Treatment: A Novel Approach to Engagement

To determine the feasibility and acceptability of a novel, manualized problem-solving and comprehensive contact intervention (PS-CCI) aimed at improving treatment engagement of suicidal individuals. The PS-CCI was administered to 44 individuals with mood disorders presenting to the ER with suicidal ideation and/or behavior. The PS-CCI has two components: (1) a problem-solving interview administered upon admission to the emergency room (ER), and (2) follow-up contact post-discharge from the ER. The average age of participants was 33.45 years (SD = +/- 12.30). The PS-CCI was completed by 75 % of patients. No subject (0 %) withdrew during the 3-month follow-up period; however, 27.2 % were unable to be reached for follow-up assessment. We have concluded that the intervention has a good feasibility because of high acceptability and adherence and further testing of its efficacy seems feasible.