Development of a Recovery Oriented Treatment for Post-Acute Suicidal Episode (PASE) Veterans
Development of a Recovery Oriented Treatment for Post Acute Suicidal Episode (PASE) Veterans
Who can join
Ages 18 and older · All sexes
Full eligibility 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
About the study
Mental health care for Veterans with suicidal symptoms is of paramount import to the VA. Unfortunately, VA suicide reports show suicide rates increasing, suggesting a need for enhancing current VA suicide mental health care efforts. While several psychotherapeutic treatments exist for acute suicidality, there are few treatments designed to help Veterans following an acute suicidal episode (Post-Acute Suicidal Episode; PASE), particularly after acute risk declines but when they still have ongoing mental health needs and, at times, long-term suicidal symptoms. Available suicide treatments are not designed to promote the recovery and rehabilitation of PASE Veterans. This is a significant gap in comprehensive suicide-focused mental health care. One avenue to close this gap lies through the development of a recovery-focused psychotherapy for PASE Veterans. Developing recovery-oriented care, "a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential" is a VA priority; however, available treatments for suicidal Veterans do not place a strong focus on recovery. Decades of research have shown the importance of increasing Veterans hopefulness about the future, developing a positive self-identity, promoting Veterans' sense of self-empowerment and improving relationships. Continuous Identity-Cognitive Therapy (CI-CT) is a promising new manualized suicide intervention focused on improving Veterans sense of their life story and personal future, with goals similar to recovery-oriented care.
The proposed study will assess and enhance the CI-CT treatment materials using Veteran feedback and acceptability and feasibility data. Then, with the guidance of scientific and Veteran consumer advisory boards, use these results to update the treatment. Findings will be used to make an updated adaptation of the treatment materials and to develop a research protocol for a pilot RCT of CI-CT for PASE Veterans. This study will develop and pilot test a well-specified, group-based intervention tailored to the unique needs of PASE Veterans. The results of the proposed study will provide data to 1) identify adaptations needed to optimize CI-CT for PASE Veterans: 2) identify possible benefits of CI-CT; 3) inform development of a pilot RCT of CI-CT for PASE Veterans.
What is being tested
- Continuous Identity Cognitive Therapy (CI-CT) (behavioral)
- General Health Education (behavioral)
Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development · Participants: 57 · Started: Feb 22, 2022
Contact the study team
- Yosef A Sokol, PhD · Phone: (718) 584-9000
Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT04731519
Locations in the U.S.
| New York | James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, The Bronx |
Conditions
From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.