Treatment for Relationships and Safety Together (TR&ST): couples therapy to reduce suicide risk
Official title: Development of a Novel Couples-Based Suicide Intervention: Treatment for Relationships and Safety Together (TR&ST)
Funded at VA San Diego Healthcare System · NIH-11511697 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A couples-based therapy to help veterans with suicidal thoughts by strengthening relationship support and safety between partners.
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 | April 1, 2021 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 5IK2RX003490-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11511697 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Veterans experiencing suicidal thoughts or recent suicidal behavior who are in a willing intimate relationship and can include their partner are the ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People who are not in a close romantic relationship, are unwilling to include their partner, or are experiencing active intimate partner violence may not be suitable or benefit from this couples approach.
What this research studies
This program invites you and your romantic partner to try a therapy called TR&ST that focuses on communication, problem-solving, and safety planning to reduce suicide risk. It is aimed at veterans who are having suicidal thoughts or recent suicidal behavior and asks partners to join regular therapy sessions and follow-ups. The team will refine the approach and measure changes in suicidal thinking, relationship functioning, and safety using interviews and questionnaires. Sessions and outcome tracking will occur through the VA San Diego Healthcare System over the study period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, TR&ST could reduce suicidal thoughts and attempts by improving partner support and relationship skills for veterans.
How similar studies have gone: Relationship-based therapies have helped mood and coping problems, but a couples-specific suicide intervention is novel and has only limited prior evidence.
Where this research is happening
-
VA San Diego Healthcare System
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Khalifian, Chandra — VA San Diego Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Khalifian, Chandra
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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.