About us
The Texas Youth Depression and Suicide Research Network (TX-YDSRN) was created by the Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium (TCMHCC). The goal was to establish a state-wide research network, connecting 12 Academic Health-Related Institutions in Texas, to focus on youth depression and suicide.Objectives
Established the Texas Youth Depression and Suicide Research Network (TX-YDSRN)
The 86th Texas Legislature provided funding for TX-YDSRN in 2020. The Network was developed through collaborative partnerships between 12 Health-Related Academic Institutions (Nodes) across Texas. UT Southwestern Medical Center was established as the Network Hub to oversee the project. TX-YDSRN developed regulatory, operational, and research functions to support high-quality scientific investigation. The Network continues to launch initiatives to support youth mental health and deepen research collaboration across Texas.
Trained Research Staff
The TX-YDSRN Hub has trained more than 185 research staff using a standardized, evidence-based best-practice model. A rigorous training plan is implemented to ensure all research staff possess skills to effectively engage in research procedures with youth and their families. TX-YDSRN partners are educated through the UT Southwestern Training Academy, which offers a diverse set of role-and program-specific online training modules. As a Learning Health Network, TX-YDSRN is committed to continuing education and drawing lessons from Network experience.
Developed the Participant Registry
TX-YDSRN has enrolled 2600+ youth in the Participant Registry study and completed more than 22,000 research visits. The Registry will continue to enroll participants and collect data from youth for up to 10 years. Data from the study are being used to produce scientific papers with the goal of informing clinical practice to improve outcomes for youth with depression and suicide risk.
Implemented Activ8
TX-YDSRN created and implemented Activ8, an 8-week telehealth behavioral activation program for teens and their caregivers. Activ8 is designed as a skill-building approach to break the cycle of depression. The Hub certifies interventionists to lead Activ8 sessions through a two-day training course. Activ8 is expanding the mental health workforce to reach underserved areas in Texas.
Collecting Information on Systems of Care
Data are collected across TX-YDSRN to characterize the current systems of care and intervention approaches for depressed and suicidal youth. This information has identified areas to expand the use of measurement-based care (MBC) through additional providers to improve outcomes for youth. Network experts help educate mental health clinicians on effective MBC practices.
TX-YDSRN Impact and Benefits to the People of Texas
- Improve Early Detection and Use of Evidence-Based Treatment
- Support Clinicians in Identification and Treatment
- Conduct Research to Better Understand Youth Depression and Suicide
- Enhance Opportunities for Texas Researchers
- Increase Research Infrastructure in Texas
Problem
Many Texas communities lack the education, resources, and infrastructure needed for early detection and evidence-based treatment for youth with depression or suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Solution
TX-YDSRN provides training and support to partnering clinics on how to improve detection of depression or suicide risk and implement evidence-based care. Strategies include universal screening for depression, use of the collaborative care model, and use of measurement-based care (MBC).
Impact
Early detection and use of evidence-based treatments will improve patient outcomes, save money, and reduce stigma related to mental health.
Problem
Many pediatric providers are hesitant to treat mental health concerns, leading to inconsistent identification and treatment of depression.
Solution
The TX-YDSRN Hub team, in collaboration with Study Node leadership, offers educational and consultation opportunities for partnering clinics. In addition, clinic-level data will be provided in reports and dashboards to partnering clinics.
Impact
These trainings and collaborations lead to enhanced engagement and provide real-time feedback to improve identification and treatment processes to address youth depression and suicide prevention.
Problem
Substantial gaps exist in knowledge related to clinical, functional, behavioral, social, and biological mechanisms of depressive disorders and suicide as related to an individual’s risk of developing depression, risk of developing suicidal thoughts or engaging in suicidal behaviors, ability to cultivate resilience, and response to treatments.
Solution
Data from the TX-YDSRN Participant Registry will allow for the identification of risk markers, indicators of onset, long-term (natural) course of disease, and treatment-associated outcomes for youth depression and suicidal ideation and behavior.
Impact
Results from this study will lead to improvements in early and accurate response to depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation and behavior in youth.
Problem
Large grant opportunities are highly competitive and are often awarded to those with significant past proven research experience, to those with significant pilot data, or to those with access to a large population so that the results might provide more generalized data to be utilized across the nation.
Solution
Leverage expertise and experience of the TX-YDSRN Hub and Study Node leadership and combined population across participating sites.
Impact
By merging high level research expertise and mentorship for junior researchers, Texas researchers are better situated for obtaining future grant funding and results will be more generalized.
Problem
While Texas has several large research institutions, many focus primarily on clinical care rather than research infrastructure.
Solution
TX-YDSRN leverages the infrastructure and expertise of larger Health-Related Institutions to support smaller Health-Related Institutions throughout Texas. Each Node receives training and support from the TX-YDSRN Hub to ensure best research practices and protocol adherence.
Impact
Establishing a research network across a state as varied as Texas will allow for investigation of a more diverse and representative population. Future efforts to support our Texas youth and families will be enriched by leveraging the cultural and economic diversity of our state.