A new intervention to help couples prevent suicide together.

Development of a Novel Couples-Based Suicide Intervention: Treatment for Relationships and Safety Together (TR&ST)

NIH-funded research VA San Diego Healthcare System · NIH-11175965

This study is testing a new therapy called TR&ST that helps couples improve their relationships to support veterans at risk of suicide, making it easier for them to talk about their feelings and find help together.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVA San Diego Healthcare System NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Diego, United States)
Project IDNIH-11175965 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing and evaluating a couples-based intervention called Treatment for Relationships and Safety Together (TR&ST) aimed at preventing suicide among at-risk veterans. It recognizes the significant role that romantic relationships play in mental health and aims to improve relationship functioning to reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The approach involves engaging both partners in therapy to address relationship issues and enhance support systems. By refining this intervention, the research seeks to provide a novel method for suicide prevention that includes the involvement of intimate partners.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are U.S. military veterans who are experiencing suicidal thoughts and are in a romantic relationship.

Not a fit: Patients who are not in a romantic relationship or those who do not have suicidal thoughts may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a groundbreaking approach in suicide prevention that strengthens relationships and improves mental health outcomes for veterans.

How similar studies have performed: While the concept of couples-based interventions is gaining traction, this specific approach targeting suicide prevention in veterans is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

San Diego, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.