Design and Feasibility of an SMS-based Safety Planning Intervention

This study is testing whether it is feasible to run a larger randomized controlled trial and whether an automated text messaging program is acceptable to young adults who have suicidal thoughts. The program is designed to help participants create and use a safety plan, which is a personalized list of warning signs, coping strategies, supportive people, professional resources, ways to make their environment safer, and reasons for living. After joining and completing an initial survey, participants are randomly assigned by a computer to one of two groups. One group starts right away with the interactive safety planning text program. The other group first receives simple text messages with 24/7 crisis resources and then, after four weeks, also receives the interactive safety planning program. Participants use the text program for about four weeks and complete online surveys at the start and again over a total period of 24 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Ages 18 to 24 \*The age to provide consent in Nebraska is 19. Individuals recruited from the state of Nebraska must be 19 or older. 2. endorsement of past 2-week suicidal ideation 3. Resident of the United States 4. Owns a smartphone Exclusion Criteria: 1. Serious mental illness for which intervention would be contraindicated (i.e., active psychosis or mania) 2. Imminent suicidality (i.e., experiencing active suicidal ideation with a plan and intent to act) 3. Written English language skills that are insufficient to engage in the consent, design, evaluation, or intervention procedures.