Comparing psychotherapy treatments for suicide risk in Veterans
Official title: Suicide Risk Interventions: A Comparison of Treatment Dose and Neural Markers of Treatment Outcome
Run by VA Office of Research and Development · NCT05931289 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing two different therapy options for Veterans who have been hospitalized for suicide risk to see which one helps them cope better and reduces their suicidal thoughts.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 136 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 3, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | February 17, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05931289 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are Veterans who have recently been hospitalized for a suicidal crisis and are willing to participate in outpatient therapy sessions.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with significant cognitive impairment or current psychotic or manic features may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of two different psychotherapy treatments for Veterans who have been hospitalized due to suicide risk. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either Enhanced Crisis Response Planning (ECRP) or Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention (BCBT) after their hospital discharge. The study will assess whether a longer duration of therapy leads to better coping skills and reduced suicidal thoughts, particularly focusing on Veterans with a history of multiple suicide attempts. Additionally, neuroimaging scans will be conducted to explore the neurobiological mechanisms associated with suicide risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective psychotherapy interventions that significantly reduce suicide risk among Veterans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that both ECRP and BCBT can reduce suicide attempts, but this direct comparison of their effectiveness is novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * hospitalization for a recent suicidal crisis consisting of SI with intent to die within the past week and/or a suicide attempt within the past month * Veteran status * ability to speak English * ability to complete the informed consent process * willingness/ability to attend 12 outpatient treatment sessions and 3 fMRI sessions following hospital discharge Exclusion Criteria: * significant cognitive impairment * current psychotic or manic features
Where it's running
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VA Boston Healthcare System Jamaica Plain Campus, Jamaica Plain, MA
Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Michael S Esterman, PhD — VA Boston Healthcare System Jamaica Plain Campus, Jamaica Plain, MA
- Study coordinator: Michael S Esterman, PhD
- Email: Michael.Esterman@va.gov
- Phone: (857) 364-4362
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.