Workshop to help recently transitioned Veterans reduce suicide risk and improve reintegration
A Mixed Methods Pilot Trial of the STEP Home Workshop to Improve Reintegration and Reduce Suicide Risk for Recently Transitioned Veterans
This study is testing a workshop designed to help Veterans transitioning to civilian life reduce their risk of suicide and improve their reintegration by teaching them practical skills and providing support.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT05995678 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot trial aims to address the elevated suicide risk among Veterans transitioning from military to civilian life by implementing the STEP-Home-SP workshop. The workshop provides suicide prevention education, skills for effective transition, and support for accessing VA healthcare. It is designed to be non-stigmatizing and accessible, targeting Veterans who may not engage with traditional mental health services. By focusing on practical skills and social support, the program seeks to bridge the gap in care during this critical period.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are recently transitioned Veterans within one year of separation from military service who experience functional impairment or reintegration difficulties.
Not a fit: Patients with active psychosis, acute high suicide risk, or severe substance use disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce suicide rates among recently transitioned Veterans and improve their reintegration into civilian life.
How similar studies have performed: While similar approaches have been explored, this specific adaptation of the STEP-Home program for recently transitioned Veterans is novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Recently transitioned Veterans within three years of separation from military service * Self-reported functional impairment or reintegration difficulties as measured by the Military-to-Civilian Questionnaire (any item score \> 1 indicating "some difficulty"; M2CQ; \[71\]) * Sufficient English fluency * Agree to participate (informed consent/HIPAA) Exclusion Criteria: * Active psychosis * Imminent or acute high suicide risk requiring immediate crisis intervention (low-moderate non-imminent risk for suicide is allowed) * Current moderate or severe substance use disorder * Neurological diagnosis excluding TBI * Participants with mild substance use disorder will be allowed * Substance use is a common behavior that may contribute to reintegration difficulties and suicide risk
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- VA Boston Healthcare System Jamaica Plain Campus, Jamaica Plain, MA — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Catherine B Fortier, PhD — VA Boston Healthcare System Jamaica Plain Campus, Jamaica Plain, MA
- Study coordinator: Catherine B Fortier, PhD
- Email: catherine.fortier@va.gov
- Phone: (857) 364-4361
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.