Suicide Prevention in a High-Risk Population: Group Treatment of Runaway & Homeless Youths

The Centre for Adolescent Mental Health of the Washington University School of Social Work is comparing the effectiveness in suicide prevention of 2 types of group treatment that provide continuing care after runaway & homeless youths leave emergency shelters. “Social Support” groups attempt to develop continuing peer support. “Competence Building” groups train youths in problem-solving, social, & stress-coping skills. Characteristics of shelter study subjects are described.