Preliminary Trial of an Avatar Guided Digital Intervention for Emerging Adults
Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial of an Avatar Guided Intervention for Young Adults Seen in the Emergency Department With Alcohol Use Problems and Suicidal Thoughts
University of Massachusetts, Worcester
60 participants
May 18, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether a novel digital avatar (virtual coach) support program can help emerging adults ages 18-29 who present to the emergency department with suicidal thoughts and alcohol misuse (EA-Avatar). The study also aims to learn whether people find the program easy to use and whether daily surveys and the study design are able to be completed by the majority of emerging adult participants. The main questions this study aims to answer are: * Do participants use the digital program and find it helpful? * Is it possible for participants to complete daily surveys for twenty-eight days and follow-up surveys over twelve weeks? * Are there early signs that the program may help lower alcohol use and suicidal thoughts? Researchers will compare participants who receive the new digital avatar program plus supportive text messages to participants who receive a freely available suicide safety planning app to see if there are differences in use, engagement, and early signs of benefit. Participants will: * Receive standard care from the emergency department * Be randomly put into one of two groups (EA-Avatar or a free suicide prevention app) * Depending on their group, use a new avatar-guided digital support program with text message reminders OR use a free suicide safety planning app * Complete surveys at the start of the study and again at four, eight, and twelve weeks * Complete short daily surveys for twenty-eight days
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria8
- (1) emergency department admission for alcohol- or suicide-related reason since turning 18, OR treated for incidental suicide risk in the emergency department
- (2) aged 18-29
- (3) speak, read, and understand English
- (4) binge drinking in the past month OR alcohol use problems (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test score > 5)
- (5) active suicidal ideation in the past month
- (6) owning and having access to a personal smartphone
- (7) willingness to be randomized to an avatar guided intervention for alcohol use problems and suicidal thoughts OR a freely available suicide safety planning app
- (8) for remote MyChart-based recruitment only, have MyChart activated
Exclusion Criteria5
- (1) severe cognitive delay, active psychosis, or heavy intoxication that precludes research participation
- (2) imminent safety risk and have been recently unsafe to themselves or others
- (3) prisoner or are under arrest
- (4) not interested or not willing to be randomized to receive the avatar-guided digital intervention or safety plan app
- (5) under the care of a legal guardian
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Interventions
The avatar-guided digital intervention includes monitoring of alcohol use and triggers of suicidal thoughts, skills to manage alcohol use and suicidal thoughts, resources on how to access outpatient care and crisis hotlines for suicidal thoughts, and achievements for milestones. In addition, text messages with inspirational quotes and reminders to access the avatar platform are used to support engagement and foster hope. They are also given any emergency department care and/or follow-up and referral services they would otherwise receive and can continue any other behavioral health care.
A publicly available suicide safety planning app which includes guidance on creating a Stanley-Brown Safety Plan, including warning signs, things users can do on their own when feeling suicidal, people who can distract them, people who can support them, professionals or organizations who can support them, and reasons for living.
Locations(2)
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NCT07418047