A Novel Peer-Delivered Recovery-Focused Suicide Prevention Intervention for Veterans With Serious Mental Illness

Launched by VA OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT · Sep 9, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring a new program called SUPPORT, designed to help Veterans who are experiencing serious mental health issues and are at risk of suicide. The program uses a method called Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP), which helps individuals identify warning signs of their mental health struggles, develop tools to stay well, and create a plan for living a fulfilling life. In SUPPORT, trained Peer Specialists—who are also Veterans—work closely with participants to create personalized recovery plans that address their specific experiences with suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

To participate in this study, Veterans must have a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, and need to be currently experiencing thoughts of suicide or have attempted suicide recently. They should also be able to understand and agree to participate in the study. As a participant, you can expect to receive support from someone who understands your situation, helping you develop strategies to improve your safety and overall well-being. This trial is currently recruiting participants, and it aims to provide valuable insights into how peer support can help reduce suicide risks among Veterans.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• Veteran Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Veterans who report present suicidal ideation (i.e., Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) \> 2 ("Active thoughts of killing oneself") in past 1 month and/or a suicide attempt in the prior 3 months as identified by the C-SSRS
• • 2. Current SMI diagnosis (i.e., schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, mood disorders with psychotic features, bipolar disorders)
• • 3. Capable of informed consent via the University of California San Diego Brief Assessment of Capacity to Consent (UBACC)
• Peer Specialist Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Certified Peer Specialist employed at VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS) in the Mental Health Care Line (individuals must demonstrate competency in basic suicide screening and referral procedures to be certified)
• • 2. 2-3 years of experience post certification as a Certified Peer Specialist
• • 3. Interest in being trained in SUPPORT
• • 4. Provide verbal or written consent for the research staff to discuss ability to participate in the study with the Peer Specialist's direct clinical supervisor
• • 5. Direct clinical supervisor agreement to allow the Peer Specialist to participate. This includes the Peer Specialist's direct clinical supervisor agreement to allow the Peer Specialist time as part of their current scope of practice to 1) participate in the full day (8-hour) SUPPORT training, 2) participate in weekly 1-hour group supervision for the duration of the Peer Specialist's time in the study, and 3) take on a case load of at least one SUPPORT Veteran at a given time.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• Veteran Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Cannot complete the assessment battery
• • 2. Current intoxication requiring immediate detoxification or outpatient plan directed specifically to residential substance use disorder (not mental health) services
• • 3. Imminent psychiatric hospitalization