Coping and Support Training (CAST) is a brief, evidence-based program suitable for selective (Tier II) and indicated (Tier III) prevention among at-promise youth in schools, community programming, health care settings, or any youth-serving agency. Eligible youth are personally invited (never mandated) to join a CAST group and meet for 12, 1-hour sessions over 6-12 weeks in small groups of 6-8 youth.

CAST addresses three program goals and targeted suicide prevention outcomes:
1. Decreased emotional distress—suicidal behaviors, depression, hopelessness, anger, anxiety;
2. Decreased drug involvement; and
3. Increased personal and support resources.

CAST increases protective factors and decreases risk factors related to youth suicide risk. The 12 CAST sessions include group social support, developing and monitoring goals, building self-esteem, decision making, anger and depression management, school smarts, drug use control, preventing relapse, and recognizing progress.

CAST was initially tested with 460 male/female potential school dropouts—racially/ethnically diverse, aged 14-19 years, in seven Pacific Northwest high schools—who also showed elevated suicide risk. Compared to “usual-care” controls, CAST was significantly more effective in increasing and sustaining personal control and problem-solving coping; decreasing suicidal behaviors, depression, and hopelessness; and decreasing anger and anxiety, with even greater declines for females.

CAST is now utilized all over North America, from urban to rural settings, including on Native American land.