A Phase 2/3 interventional study of Ketamine Hydrochloride and Crisis Response Plan in Suicide, sponsored by The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Recruiting at 1 site in United States. Open to participants aged 18 Years to 70 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-09-30.
Sponsored by The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio · Phase 2/3, Interventional, and Other
The goal of this randomized pilot trial is to assess the feasibility of administering a combination of 100mg intramuscular (IM) ketamine and Crisis Response Plan (a short psychosocial intervention) for patients with acute suicidality in the context of the Emergency Department setting. This study will assess a combination of a pharmacologic intervention and a psychosocial one. The pharmacologic intervention is a one-time dose of 100mg ketamine delivered intramuscularly (IM) while the patient is in the ED. The psychosocial intervention under study is a brief, patient-centered therapy which takes, on average, 30 minutes to administer. Both interventions will be administered only once. The main questions this study aims to answer are:
This study is a phase II/III Clinical Pilot Trial. The study participants will be randomized to one of two groups: IM ketamine plus Crisis Response Planning (intervention group) or usual care (control group). Prior to treatment, we will obtain demographic and contact information for patients and for a friend/family member as a collateral reporter of symptom change and safety. As part of informed consent, participants will be warned about the potential for temporary effects of ketamine and provided an enrollment card to inform other care providers of their participation in a ketamine study. Participants will be weighed and complete a series of brief survey assessments. Clinical assessments such as history, physical examination, and routine laboratory testing will be collected as part of usual care. Ketamine and Crisis Response Planning will be administered, and study assessments will be repeated at 120 minutes posttreatment. To ensure the highest level of patient safety, we are proposing only to include patients who have already been cleared for a psychiatric hospitalization. This will also allow for close monitoring of symptom changes during the initial hours and days following treatment. Outcome measures will be collected at two hours, 3 days, and 1 month after the intervention. Research staff will collect assessments by telephone interview and/or visits. Consistent with established protocols, staff will be trained and supervised by STRONG STAR mental health professionals with expertise in evidence-based processes for assessing and responding to suicide risk. Trained and experienced therapists are available to meet with participants to develop a Crisis Response Plan at University Hospital.
Exclusion Criteria:
Individuals randomized to the experimental arm will receive 100mg intramuscular ketamine injection before completing the Crisis Response Plan. The average timeframe for the experimental arm is anticipated to be approximately 60 minutes of active treatment. Following ketamine administration, the subject will be monitored for 45 minutes with pulse oximetry and recurrent vital signs. The study team will record when the CRP is completed in relation to the ketamine injection.
Drug: Ketamine Hydrochloride · Behavioral: Crisis Response Plan
Individuals randomized to the no intervention arm will receive routine care from emergency providers and psychiatry staff.
100mg IM ketamine to be administered in conjunction with CRP. The ketamine injection will be administered first. Participants will be observed and have vital signs monitored for the first 45 minutes after administering medication in the ED, observing for immediate reactions. Afterwards, participants will continue to be monitored for potential late-term side effects on the inpatient unit. Ketamine will be given only after initial standard of care (SOC) treatment and screening studies have been initiated.
Also known as: Ketamine
Crisis Response Plan is a brief, empirically-validated, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy-based one-time therapy, and its administration typically takes 30-60 minutes. It begins with a narrative assessment (allowing patients to "tell their story") and concludes with collaboratively constructed plan that outlines strategies for the patient's self-management of future acute suicidal crises. Patients who engage in CRP are given an index card to keep with them that summarizes the emotional management strategies that they collaboratively generate with the CRP provider.
Also known as: CRP
Feasibility of study interventions
Number of enrolled subjects completing treatment within study parameters, with safety and side-effect profiles at or lower than published rates.
Time frame: 30 days
Change in Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (SSI) Score
The Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (SSI) is a 21-item measurement that evaluates the presence and intensity of suicidal thoughts. Each item is scored on a scale from 0-2 with a total score of 0-38; with higher scores indicating higher levels of suicidal ideation.
Time frame: Baseline to 30 days
Change in Depressive Symptoms Index-Suicidality Subscale (DSI-SS) Score
The Depressive Symptoms Index-Suicidality Subscale (DSI-SS) is a 4-item measure of suicidal ideation. Respondents rate each item on a 4-point scale ranging from 0-3. Responses are summed, and higher scores reflect more severe suicidal ideation (range: 0-12).
Time frame: Baseline to 30 days
Change in Suicide Visual Analog Scale (S-VAS) Score
The Suicide Visual Analog Scale is a 1-item momentary assessment to evaluate severity of suicidal ideation. The item is scored from 0-100 and the total possible score range for the scale is therefore also 0-100. Lower scores indicate less extreme current urges toward self harm, whereas higher scores are indicative of more severe urges.
Time frame: Baseline to 30 days
Plan to share: Yes — All collected de-identified participant data that underlie results in a publication will be shared in a peer-reviewed scientific publication once data analysis is complete.
Supporting information: Study protocol, Sap, Icf
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The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio