Feasibility and Acceptability of Implementing a Telehealth Risk Management Service with Caregivers of Suicidal Youth.

BACKGROUND

There is a critical need for outpatient services that address suicide and self-harm risk in youth, with an emphasis on caregiver engagement in safety and treatment planning.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a telehealth-delivered, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)-informed workshop for caregivers of youth at risk for self-harm.

METHODS

A four-session workshop was offered to 17 caregivers. Content included safety planning, understanding levels of care, and DBT-based strategies to support youth emotion regulation and behavioral change. Caregivers completed pre- and post-workshop surveys and interviews.

RESULTS

Findings support acceptability and feasibility of the workshop; 70% of caregivers accepted referral to participate, 77% of participants attended all four sessions, and nearly half of caregivers engaged in additional consultation outside of group meetings. Implementation required approximately 10.1 to 14.3 provider hours per group, 80% of which were direct services. Acceptability and areas for improvement were indicated through qualitative feedback, engagement with at-home practice (71%), and reported changes in caregiver beliefs about both their role in youth mental health care and use of higher levels of care. Caregivers also endorsed that the format and content of the workshop were helpful and relevant. In terms of preliminary efficacy, caregivers reported a significant increase in knowledge (t = -3.36, p < .001) and a significant reduction in caregiver strain (t = 2.60, p = .02). No youth suicide attempts or emergency room visits were reported during the workshop period.

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot study provides preliminary support for the feasibility and acceptability of a DBT-informed, caregiver-focused workshop delivered via telehealth, with promising early evidence of impact on caregiver knowledge and stress. Next steps include evaluation with a larger, more diverse sample and assessment of longer-term outcomes.