Qualitative experiences with a suicide prevention intervention: voices from advocates and youth experiencing homelessness.

Suicide is a leading cause of death among youth experiencing homelessness (YEH) and prevention interventions are needed for nontraditional settings. This study presents the adaptation of Cognitive Therapy for Suicide Prevention (CTSP) within a supportive housing randomized trial for YEH (18 to 24 years). CTSP was delivered by trained youth advocates in community settings. Both youth (n = 11) and advocates (n = 5) were interviewed and shared perspectives on acceptability and feasibility. Advocates felt CTSP was easy to implement and could be integrated into advocacy sessions. Despite initial discomfort discussing suicide, YEH were open to CTSP, and advocates felt they understood and utilized the content. Advocates noted the importance of ensuring that youth's basic needs were met first, the need for building rapport, and the challenges of limited time with YEH. Interventions to address suicide among YEH that are flexible and ensure youth feel cared about could be more acceptable and increase engagement.