THRIVE: Feasibility, Acceptability, and Social Validity of a Brief Recovery-Focused Intervention in Crisis Stabilization Centers.

Background: Crisis Stabilization Centers (CSCs) are a critical component of the crisis response system and the 988 Lifeline expansion that may promote ED diversion. To maximize CSC care quality and effectiveness, brief psychotherapy interventions that focus on recovery, match CSC workflows, and have the potency to reduce suicide attempts and deaths are needed but do not exist. The purpose of this study was to establish the feasibility, acceptability, appropriateness, and social validity of a novel, ultra-brief, 60-min psychotherapy intervention-Toward Hope, Recovery, Interpersonal Connection, Values, and Engagement for Crisis (THRIVE-C).

Methods: We recruited CSC stakeholders (n = 15) and CSC study therapists (n = 5) to complete surveys, followed by a pilot study of THRIVE-C with CSC guests (n = 54).

Results: CSC stakeholders, study therapists, and guests found THRIVE feasible, acceptable, appropriate, and socially valid. CSC guests experienced THRIVE-C as satisfactory, established a positive therapeutic alliance (bond), and 91% of guests endorsed behavioral intentions to attend outpatient psychotherapy appointments after discharge. Further, 94% of guests completed all phases of THRIVE, demonstrating clinical readiness to work on suicide recovery beyond physical safety or stabilization from suicide alone.

Conclusion: Preliminary findings suggest that further development and testing of THRIVE are needed.

Trial registration: This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier NCT05558891).