Training the Brain to Reduce Self-Harm in Hospitalized Teens

This trial is testing a new computer-based program designed to help teenagers reduce urges to hurt themselves or attempt suicide. The program uses a technique called therapeutic evaluative conditioning, which works by retraining how your brain automatically responds to self-harm thoughts. Researchers want to see if this approach, delivered on an iPad and later a smartphone, can reduce self-harming behaviors during a hospital stay and keep helping even after you go home.

Many teens struggle with self-harm and suicidal thoughts, and current hospital treatments don't always prevent these behaviors from returning after discharge. This trial exists to test whether this new brain-retraining approach could give teens an extra tool to break harmful thought patterns and stay safer at home.