The Comprehensive Adaptive Multisite Prevention of University Student Suicide Trial: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Suicidal ideation is increasing among university students. Despite growing demand for services, university counseling centers (UCCs) face limited resources to meet the complex needs of students who are suicidal.

Objective: The Comprehensive Adaptive Multisite Prevention of University Student Suicide (CAMPUS) Trial evaluates 4 treatment sequences within UCCs to develop evidence-based treatment guidelines.

Methods: The CAMPUS Trial consists of a feasibility study followed by a sequential multiple-assignment randomized trial (SMART). The original CAMPUS protocol was modified during the COVID-19 pandemic to accommodate new UCC tele-mental health services, including remote treatment, assessments, and monitoring. A smaller-scale feasibility study was conducted to (1) evaluate implementation of hybrid telehealth and in-person interventions and (2) fine-tune online procedures. Following the feasibility study, university students (aged 18-25 years) seeking UCC services with moderate to severe suicidal ideation will enroll in the CAMPUS Trial. Student participants are randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatment sequences with 2 stages of intervention. In stage 1, students receive 4 to 6 weeks of either (1) a suicide-focused treatment-Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality-or (2) enhanced treatment as usual. Treatment responders enter the maintenance phase. In stage 2, nonresponders are rerandomized for an additional 1 to 8 weeks of (1) Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality or (2) an intensive skills-based treatment-dialectical behavior therapy for UCC settings. UCC counselors will enroll in the CAMPUS Trial to complete measures about their experience working with students who are suicidal. CAMPUS Trial administration includes representation from all sites to facilitate cross-site coordination and an advisory board of stakeholders from all UCCs to facilitate treatment implementation.

Results: Student participant recruitment began on October 25, 2022, and ended on May 16, 2024. As of November 2024, data collection for the SMART was ongoing with active study participants. Data collection was completed in November 2024, and as of April 2025, data analysis is underway. Full results will be available in 2025.

Conclusions: The CAMPUS Trial offers a model for future SMARTs for the treatment of suicidal thoughts or behaviors (or both) across various settings. The results will inform treatment guidelines for students presenting with suicidality at UCCs.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04707066; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04707066.

International registered report identifier (irrid): DERR1-10.2196/68441.

Keywords: CAMS; Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality; DBT; adaptive treatment strategies; dialectical behavior therapy; suicide; university students.

Figure 1

Comprehensive Adaptive Multisite Prevention of University Student Suicide Trial study design. CAMS: Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicide; CC-DBT: counseling center dialectic behavior therapy; E-TAU: enhanced treatment as usual; NR: nonresponder to treatment; R (black): responder to treatment; R (red): randomization point.