A new peer support program to prevent suicide in veterans with serious mental illness
Official title: A Novel Peer-Delivered Recovery-Focused Suicide Prevention Intervention for Veterans with Serious Mental Illness
Funded at VA San Diego Healthcare System · NIH-10977040 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new program called SUPPORT that helps veterans with serious mental health issues, like bipolar disorder, by connecting them with peers who understand their struggles, aiming to prevent suicide and encourage them to engage more in life and community.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA San Diego Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | November 1, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5IK2RX004239-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10977040 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans diagnosed with serious mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder or psychotic disorders, who are at risk for suicidal ideation or behavior.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a serious mental illness or those who are not veterans may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing and testing a peer-delivered intervention aimed at preventing suicide among veterans diagnosed with serious mental illness, such as bipolar disorder and psychotic disorders. The program, called SUPPORT, is designed to engage veterans who often face barriers to traditional care, including cognitive impairments and social isolation. By tailoring the intervention specifically for this population, the research aims to improve their participation in life and society while enhancing existing suicide prevention strategies. The approach emphasizes recovery and peer support, making it a unique addition to current mental health practices.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce suicide rates among veterans with serious mental illness by providing them with tailored support and resources.
How similar studies have gone: This approach is innovative as it specifically targets veterans with serious mental illness, a group often excluded from previous suicide prevention research, indicating a novel direction in this field.
Where this research is happening
-
VA San Diego Healthcare System
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chalker, Samantha — VA San Diego Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Chalker, Samantha
Related research
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.