Culturally Centered CBT Protocol for Suicidal Behaviors Among Youth in Mexico City

This NIMH R34 award application proposes to conduct an adaptation, implementation, and pilot testing of the culturally centered CBT protocol, the Socio-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicidal Behaviors (SCBTSB), among suicidal youth in Mexico City, Mexico. The research plan will (a) culturally adapt and contextualize the SCBT-SB for its implementation in the Mexican public health system, (b) pilot test the protocol through an RCT (SCBT-SB vs TAU; 60 patients and caregivers) and (c) evaluate the implementation process of the SCBT-SB and assess qualitatively possible factors that may promote or hinder its future uptake.

Youth Inclusion Criteria: * ages 12 to 17, * severe SI, defined as a score of 22 or above on the SIQ-JR or having made a SA or having a suicidal crisis (e.g., threats of attempting suicide) within the last 3 months * not be engaged in mental health services outside HPIJNN. Exclusion Criteria: * having a diagnosis of a psychotic disorder * having a diagnosis of substance use disorder, rated severe on the DSM-593 (i.e., endorsement of 6 or more symptoms), * not having sufficient cognitive ability to enter a psychotherapy service (whether reported by the parents or by data in the clinical record)