Title : Bridging the therapy gap: Pediatric suicide prevention
Abstract:
Pediatric suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10 to 24 years old. In 2021 The American Academy of Pediatrics listed suicide as a national emergency. As a result of increased suicidality and low outpatient resources, emergency departments have taken the brunt of the mental health crisis. Most emergency departments are not equipped for case management of mental health issues. The Bridge Program at Children’s Health was developed to “bridge” the gap from discharge from the ED following suicidal ideation or attempt and connection to community providers. Research has shown that approximately 50% of those discharged from the ED do not have a mental health appointment within 30 days. The Children’s Health Bridge Program will provide four weeks of therapy, using the evidence-based practices SAFETY-Acute and Attachment-Based Family Therapy to provide stabilization, coupled with care coordination. The program will also provide a mental health coordinator to assist with navigating insurance and leveraging community partnerships to secure appointments for long term care. By providing this support we will save lives, empower parents, and increase communication between the hospital and outpatient teams. The bridge program is IRB approved as non-regulated research and will collect data on:
1. Has the patient been readmitted to the ED for suicidal ideation or attempt since beginning the Bridge Program?
2. At the end of the program, is the patient connected to an outpatient mental health provider? This program is in its initial phases and is currently accepting patients.
