An interactive web-based method of outreach to college students at risk for suicide.
OBJECTIVE
From 2002 to 2005, the authors tested an interactive, Web-based method to encourage college students at risk for suicide to seek treatment.


METHODS
The authors invited students at 2 universities to complete an online questionnaire that screened for depression and other suicide risk factors. Respondents received a personalized assessment and were able to communicate anonymously with a clinical counselor online. At-risk students were urged to attend in-person evaluation and treatment.


RESULTS
A total of 1,162 students (8% of those invited) completed the screening questionnaire; 981 (84.4%) were designated as at high or moderate risk. Among this group, 190 (19.4%) attended an in-person evaluation session with the counselor, and 132 (13.5%) entered treatment. Students who engaged in online dialogues with the counselor were 3 times more likely than were those who did not to come for evaluation and enter treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
The method has considerable promise for encouraging previously untreated, at-risk college students to get help.
Haas
Ann
A
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), New York, NY 10005, USA. ahaas@afsp.org
Koestner
Bethany
B
Rosenberg
Jill
J
Moore
David
D
Garlow
Steven J
SJ
Sedway
Jan
J
Nicholas
Linda
L
Hendin
Herbert
H
Mann
J John
JJ
Nemeroff
Charles B
CB
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003376:Counseling / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015397:Program Evaluation; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States; D014495:Universities; D000092864:Suicide Prevention