There is significant evidence demonstrating that an internet based automated screening and guidance system can effectively identify suicidal youth and refer parents to professionals for consultation

During the years 2005 and 2006 a total of 883 parents screened their child online using StepOne for Parents (StepOne). Of these children, 236 were identified as having a high suicidal behavior risk. Based on prior efficacy research by Conner (2006), a high level of risk is substantially associated with suicidal behavior. The efficacy of this screening model is substantial. In similar populations suicidal behavior is likely 73% of the time once identified by StepOne (the prediction value of a positive test). This screening method can be expected to identify 86% of suicidal behavior in a population where it is actually present (the true positive rate at a prevalence rate of 18%). Using StepOne, a high suicidal behavior risk correctly identifies suicidal behavior and the absence of this behavior 92% of the time (the efficiency).

As part of this study, the parents of these high risk children were automatically sent an email and they were provided with a comprehensive computer generated screening report that also recommended parents contact a mental health professional associated with this program for consultation. Parents with children who did not present a high suicide risk, or had other problems, were directed to a web page designed to gather consumer satisfaction information and offer further consultation.

Results

Out of 883 children screened, 236 children were identified as “high risk” for suicidal behavior, and 187 parents contacted a mental health professional as directed. A total of 39 did not respond either because their email was not received or they did not respond. Another 52 parents contacted our mental health professional without being directed to do so. A total of 605 did not contact our mental health professional. Of these, 376 completed a consumer satisfaction survey and 63 obtained further consultation.