TY - JOUR
AU - N. Toukhy
AU - C. Biernesser
AU - J. Zelazny
AU - B. George-Milford
AU - C. Monteverde
AU - G. Porta
AU - K. Z. Abebe
AU - D. Brent
AU - S. Stepp
A1 - 
AB - INTRODUCTION: Previous research has identified a high need for suicide risk management in primary care settings among adolescents. This randomized controlled trial examined the efficacy and feasibility of BRITEpath, a smartphone-based application and clinician portal designed to help youth in reducing suicide risk. METHODS: Participants (n = 101, ages 12-26, 85.1% female) that were either referred to or were receiving mental health services in primary care were randomly assigned (2:1 allocation) to BRITEpath + TAU (n = 68) or TAU alone (n = 33). Independent evaluators, blinded to treatment, assessed outcomes at baseline, Week 4, and Week 12. Primary outcomes included suicidal thoughts and behaviors, depression, mental health service use, and quality of life; secondary outcomes examined usability and satisfaction. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between BRITEpath + TAU and TAU for primary outcomes overall. However, BRITEpath participants reported lower suicidal thoughts over time. History of inpatient and outpatient care moderated the effect of BRITEpath on depression. Participants reported high satisfaction and perceived usefulness of the app. CONCLUSIONS: BRITEpath shows promising effects on suicidal thoughts and depression, particularly among those with prior psychiatric care. Future research should explore strategies to enhance engagement, such as integration with ongoing care, which may strengthen the impact on clinical outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04672798.
AD - Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.; Western Psychiatric Hospital, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.; Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
AN - 42261184
BT - Suicide Life Threat Behav
C5 - HIT & Telehealth; Healthcare Disparities
CP - 3
DA - 06/2026
DO - 10.1111/sltb.70114
DP - NLM
IS - 3
JF - Suicide Life Threat Behav
LA - eng
N2 - INTRODUCTION: Previous research has identified a high need for suicide risk management in primary care settings among adolescents. This randomized controlled trial examined the efficacy and feasibility of BRITEpath, a smartphone-based application and clinician portal designed to help youth in reducing suicide risk. METHODS: Participants (n = 101, ages 12-26, 85.1% female) that were either referred to or were receiving mental health services in primary care were randomly assigned (2:1 allocation) to BRITEpath + TAU (n = 68) or TAU alone (n = 33). Independent evaluators, blinded to treatment, assessed outcomes at baseline, Week 4, and Week 12. Primary outcomes included suicidal thoughts and behaviors, depression, mental health service use, and quality of life; secondary outcomes examined usability and satisfaction. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between BRITEpath + TAU and TAU for primary outcomes overall. However, BRITEpath participants reported lower suicidal thoughts over time. History of inpatient and outpatient care moderated the effect of BRITEpath on depression. Participants reported high satisfaction and perceived usefulness of the app. CONCLUSIONS: BRITEpath shows promising effects on suicidal thoughts and depression, particularly among those with prior psychiatric care. Future research should explore strategies to enhance engagement, such as integration with ongoing care, which may strengthen the impact on clinical outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04672798.
PY - 2026
SN - 0363-0234 (Print); 0363-0234
SP - e70114
ST - Examining BRITEpath, a Digital Intervention for Reducing Adolescent Suicide Risk in Primary Care: A Randomized-Controlled Trial
T1 - Examining BRITEpath, a Digital Intervention for Reducing Adolescent Suicide Risk in Primary Care: A Randomized-Controlled Trial
T2 - Suicide Life Threat Behav
TI - Examining BRITEpath, a Digital Intervention for Reducing Adolescent Suicide Risk in Primary Care: A Randomized-Controlled Trial
U1 - HIT & Telehealth; Healthcare Disparities
U3 - 10.1111/sltb.70114
VL - 56
VO - 0363-0234 (Print); 0363-0234
Y1 - 2026
ER -