Exploring suicide risks among LGBT veterans receiving VA care
Official title: Understanding Suicide Risks among LGBT Veterans in VA Care
Funded at VA Connecticut Healthcare System · NIH-11145692 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the specific challenges that LGBT veterans face when it comes to suicide risks, focusing on how things like stress from being part of a minority and health issues affect their well-being, so we can improve the care they receive in the VA healthcare system.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Connecticut Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Haven, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2019 |
| Project end | May 31, 2024 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01HX002679-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11145692 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are LGBT veterans who have experienced mental health challenges or suicidal thoughts while receiving care from the VA.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as LGBT or who have not served in the military may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the unique suicide risks faced by LGBT veterans in the VA healthcare system. It aims to understand how factors such as minority stress, discrimination, and comorbid health conditions contribute to suicidal behaviors. By examining both distal and proximal risk factors, the study seeks to identify the specific challenges that LGBT veterans encounter, particularly in the context of their military service and healthcare experiences. The research will utilize a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to gather data on these risks and inform better care practices.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health support and interventions tailored specifically for LGBT veterans, ultimately reducing suicide rates in this population.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been some research on suicidality among LGBT individuals, this specific focus on LGBT veterans is relatively novel and has not been extensively studied.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Connecticut Healthcare System
West Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goulet, Joseph Lucien — VA Connecticut Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Goulet, Joseph Lucien
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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.