Recovery-focused therapy for Veterans after suicidal episodes
Development of a Recovery Oriented Treatment for Post Acute Suicidal Episode (PASE) Veterans
This study is testing a new therapy for Veterans who have recently had suicidal thoughts to see if it helps them recover and improve their mental health.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 57 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (The Bronx, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT04731519 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to develop a recovery-oriented psychotherapy specifically for Veterans who have recently experienced a post-acute suicidal episode (PASE). The approach involves using Continuous Identity Cognitive Therapy (CI-CT) through multiple treatment development trials to refine the therapy protocol based on participant feedback. A total of 15 Veterans will be recruited from the NYC region, who have had a recent acute suicidal episode, to participate in group therapy sessions designed to enhance their mental health and promote recovery. The study will assess the acceptability and feasibility of the therapy to ensure it meets the needs of this population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Veterans of the US Military who have experienced a suicide attempt or plan within the past year and are receiving mental health services.
Not a fit: Patients currently experiencing acute suicidal symptoms or those with active substance dependence may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly improve the mental health and recovery outcomes for Veterans following acute suicidal episodes.
How similar studies have performed: While there are existing treatments for acute suicidality, this specific recovery-oriented approach for PASE Veterans is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * suicide attempt, or creation of a suicide plan with intent or preparatory behavior, within the past year, as assessed using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (CSSRS) - to provide this information, in addition to the standard lifetime/3 months categories in the CSSRS a 1 year category will be added * participation in mental health services at the JJPVA * sufficient clinical stability and readiness to participate in a group therapy as deemed by a mental health treatment provider * sufficient medical stability as deemed by a medical provider * Veteran of US Military * resides in NYC region Exclusion Criteria: * active alcohol or opiate dependence requiring medically supervised withdrawal * imminent risk of suicidal or homicidal behavior * acute suicidal episode within past week * current acute suicidal symptoms (based on scores of the BSI and SBQ-R - see above) * inability to perform CI-CT treatment tasks based on their performance on a sample reading and writing task from the CI-CT manual (given during screening), operationalized as an ability to read the sample material, understand the instructions, and write a response connected with the material and in line with the writing instructions * unable to speak English * lack of capacity to consent * unable or unwilling to provide at least one contact for emergency purposes * unable to attend outpatient group treatment program * participation in another intervention RCT * insufficient interpersonal functioning to function appropriately within the group assessed through a consultation with the referrer and the Veterans' mental health provider about their interpersonal functioning and ability to tolerate group therapy, and a chart review searching for disruptive behavior in group therapy
Where this trial is running
The Bronx, New York
- James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY — The Bronx, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Yosef A Sokol, PhD — James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Yosef A Sokol, PhD
- Email: Yosef.Sokol@va.gov
- Phone: (718) 584-9000
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.