Psychosocial approaches for adolescent suicide prevention: An evidence review

BACKGROUND: Adolescent suicide is a serious public health challenge in the Philippines, with rates among 15–19 year olds increasing by 57% from 2019 to 2021. Although the Mental Health Act (RA 11036) and Universal Health Care Act (RA 11223) require suicide prevention as the part of national health priorities, evidence-based interventions are still underused, especially in geographically isolated and underserved areas (GIDA). OBJECTIVE: This study systematically reviewed psychosocial suicide prevention interventions for adolescents aged 10–18 years and identified strategies for integrating them into the Philippine health system. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published between 2015 and 2020 were conducted, including 20 randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and cross-sectional studies. Interventions evaluated included Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, Motivational Interviewing, family therapy, and psychoeducation. Subgroup analyses examined intervention type, mode of delivery, and setting. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane tools. RESULTS: Psychosocial interventions significantly decreased suicidal ideation, attempts, and deliberate self-harm (DSH). Moderate short to medium-term effects (Cohen’s d = 0.26–0.30) were observed, although benefits lessened over the longer follow-up periods. School-based programs and family-focused approaches yielded the strongest immediate results, while telehealth interventions showed potential for scalability in the resource limited and GIDA settings. CONCLUSION: Evidence supports integrating psychosocial interventions into Department of Education mental health initiatives, Department of Health adolescent services, and local government programs. To speed up RA 11036 and RA 11223 implementation, development managers should focus on scalable, culturally tailored methods, including digital platforms, to increase access and enhance the nation’s response to adolescent suicide.