Qnnections: a 10-week group program to build social connection for LGBTQ+ and other minoritized Veterans
Qnnections: A Novel Suicide Prevention Intervention for Increasing Social Connection Among LGBTQ+ Veterans
This project will test whether Qnnections, a 10-week group program, can increase social connection and reduce suicide risk for LGBTQ+ and other minoritized Veterans who have recent suicidal thoughts or behavior.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 66 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (San Diego, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT06803329 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Qnnections is a cognitive-behavioral, group-based intervention designed to reduce perceived burdensomeness and increase belongingness among LGBTQ+ and other minoritized Veterans. Phase 1 refines the 10-week program with input from a Veteran Advisory Board and expert mentors and runs a small open pilot (n=10) to gather acceptability data. Phase 2 conducts a randomized pilot (n=48) comparing Qnnections plus safety planning and referrals to an Enhanced Usual Care condition, with assessments at baseline, mid-treatment, post-treatment, and a ten-week follow-up and qualitative interviews. The primary focus is on feasibility and acceptability of the intervention and study procedures rather than efficacy.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal participants are Veterans who identify as LGBTQ+ or another minoritized gender/sexual identity, report past-month active suicidal ideation or past-3-month suicidal behavior, have a mental health point-of-contact at the VA, and are willing to complete or update a safety plan.
Not a fit: Patients who cannot consent, are imminently at risk requiring hospitalization, are enrolled in residential or intensive outpatient programs that would interfere with participation, are under conservatorship, or who already participated in earlier parts of the project are unlikely to benefit from this trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, Qnnections could increase social connectedness and functioning and reduce suicide risk among LGBTQ+ Veterans, offering a tailored adjunct to VA suicide prevention services.
How similar studies have performed: Related group-based and cognitive-behavioral interventions that target belongingness and perceived burdensomeness have shown promise in reducing suicidal ideation in other populations, but Qnnections is a novel, tailored program for LGBTQ+ Veterans.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Veterans who report past-month active suicidal ideation (C-SSRS \[Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale\] \-- or past-3-month suicidal behavior; * LGBTQ+ or other minoritized gender or sexual identity; * Have a mental health point-of-contact (e.g., Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Mental Health Treatment Coordinator); * Willing to complete or update safety plan. Exclusion Criteria: * cannot provide informed consent; * imminent psychiatric hospitalization; * current or planned participation in residential/intensive outpatient program that would interfere study participation; * in a conservatorship; and * has participated in any previous parts of the study.
Where this trial is running
San Diego, California
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA — San Diego, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Cindy Chang, PsyD — VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA
- Study coordinator: Cindy Chang, PsyD
- Email: Cindy.Chang4@va.gov
- Phone: (786) 853-8782
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.