RecruitingNot Applicable

Developing a Digital Intervention for Adolescent Nonsuicidal Self-injury

United States80 participantsStarted 2026-06-04

Plain-language summary

This is a feasibility trial of a digital mental health intervention aimed at adolescents (ages 14-18) with nonsuicidal self-injury and who are not currently engaged in mental health treatment. The study has two arms: a self-guided DMHI and an active control which will involve the delivery of non-interactive psychoeducational content via the same app interface. The primary goals of this project are to evaluate the feasibility of the intervention and trial procedures in preparation for a fully-powered randomized-controlled trial.

Who can participate

Age range

14 Years – 18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Current NSSI (NSSI on 2 or more days in the last month * English language skills sufficient to engage in the consent and intervention procedures * Age 14-18 * Access to smartphone Exclusion Criteria: * Severe mental health diagnoses for which this intervention would be inappropriate (psychotic disorders, active manic episodes) * Severe suicide risk, including suicidal ideation with a plan and intent to act * Current engagement in psychotherapy

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Actual help-seeking questionnaire (AHSQ)

Timeframe: 16 weeks

Alexian Brothers Assessment of Self-Injury - Methods checklist

Timeframe: 16 weeks

Acceptability of Intervention Measure (AIM)

Timeframe: 8 weeks

Intervention Appropriateness Measure (IAM)

Timeframe: 8 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07224165

SponsorNorthwestern University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-05

Contact for this trial

Kaylee Kruzan, PhD, LCSW

312-503-3114 kaylee.kruzan@northwestern.edu

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Nonsuicidal Self-injury trials