This study looks to implement a novel intervention (STAT-ED) for children who screen positive to suicide ideation. The intervention looks to collect data from several different measures and then randomize participants into one of two groups: a control group where the participant will be set up with a mental health referral from a psychiatric social worker; or if randomized into the STAT-ED intervention, the adolescent and parent will receive a brief motivational interview, barrier reduction discussion, referral and limited case management by the study social worker to enhance outpatient mental health follow up after discharge from the ED. The hypothesis of the study is patients who are randomized into the STAT-ED intervention group will have a significantly higher rate of initiating mental health treatment and will attend more mental health treatment sessions in the two months after the ED visit compared with adolescents in the control group. Secondary aims of this study look to determine whether the effectiveness of the STAT-ED intervention differs by age, gender, or ethnicity; and evaluate predictors and mediators of mental health treatment engagement.
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients who arrive in the ED who are between the ages of 12-17 years old * Screen positive on the Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ) tool * Have had no contact with a mental health provider in the 90 days preceding the current ED visit * Are stable as determined by vital signs and triage criteria (triage levels 2-5) Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who present in the ED with a chief complaint of suicidal behavior will be excluded to comply with the requirements of the RFA. * Those who present in the ED with a primary or secondary psychiatric concern * Those without access to a telephone/cell phone * Those unable to adequately understand the study process * Those families unable to speak or read English adequately to participate in study procedures * Patients who have altered mental status either due to illness or medication (pain medications) * Patients who live greater than 100 miles away form the enrolling site