Implementing and Adapting the SAFETY Treatment for Suicidal Youth: The Incubator Model, Telehealth, and the Covid-19 Pandemic

Jennifer L. Hughes, Joan R. Asarnow

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

The Safe Alternatives for Teens and Youth (SAFETY) treatment was developed to decrease the risk of repeat suicidal and self-harm behavior in youth presenting with elevated suicide risk. This paper uses case illustrations to demonstrate the SAFETY treatment, building upon the companion paper describing our “incubator” treatment development model and process (Asarnow et al., 2022). As illustrated in the second case illustration, the incubator model approach was particularly useful during the COVID-19 pandemic switch to telehealth. SAFETY specifically targets suicide and self-harm risk reduction using an individually tailored principle-guided approach, grounded in a case conceptualization that identifies cognitive-behavioral processes and reactions that contribute to increased suicide attempt risk and explains the youth's suicidal/self-harm behavior within the context of his or her broader social systems. The SAFETY treatment has been tested in two treatment development trials, and results support the efficacy of SAFETY for preventing suicide attempts in adolescents presenting with recent self-harm.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)198-213
Number of pages16
JournalCognitive and Behavioral Practice
Volume29
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2022

Keywords

  • cognitive-behavioral therapy
  • self-harm
  • self-injury
  • suicide
  • treatment

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology

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