Suicide PreventionNCT06596044
Suicide Prevention After Community Care Discharge
A study testing VA BIC in people with Suicide Prevention, run by VA Office of Research and Development at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
The study is of high importance to Veterans' health because it will study a suicide prevention intervention in a Veteran population that is at high risk of suicide but has not been a specific focus of the Veteran Affairs' (VA's) suicide prevention efforts. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Suicide Prevention
- What is being tested?
- VA BIC
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 120 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- 1 Oct 2025to 30 Sep 2028
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Veteran who is eligible to receive VA services
- Able to speak English
- Received acute psychiatric treatment in a non-VA setting affiliated with VA in Northern New England
- Endorse recent suicidal ideation (score 2+ on Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation)
Who cannot join
- Unable to provide informed consent
- Currently receiving assertive community treatment
- Potentially vulnerable populations including prisoners, institutionalized patients, or patients currently admitted on involuntary commitment status
- Study physician deems the patient is not clinically appropriate because of clinical status such as presence of active psychosis or dementia
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
United States1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
White River Junction VA Medical Center, White River Junction, VT
White River Junction, Vermont, 05001-3833
Natalie Riblet, MD MPH, (802) 295-9363 ext. 5893, Natalie.Riblet@va.gov
Natalie Riblet, MD MPH
About this study
Official title: Suicide Prevention In Department of Veterans Affairs Community Care Network Mental Health Settings
The study is of high importance to Veterans' health because it will study a suicide prevention intervention in a Veteran population that is at high risk of suicide but has not been a specific focus of the Veteran Affairs' (VA's) suicide prevention efforts. Specifically, a growing number of Veterans are now receiving acute mental health treatment in VA-purchased settings (commonly referred to as Community Care). While these Veterans are at high risk of suicide after discharge, very little is known about how to prevent suicide in these Veterans. This study will directly address this problem by looking at whether a promising suicide prevention strategy called the VA Brief Intervention and Contact Program (VA BIC) can decrease the risk of suicide in Veterans after they are discharged from a non-VA mental health treatment setting. The proposed research is highly pertinent to the VA's top clinical priority-to prevent suicide in Veterans.
Read the detailed description
Background: Suicide is a chief concern in Veterans. An increasing number of Veterans are accessing acute psychiatric treatment in non-VA settings. There is little knowledge about effective strategies to mitigate suicide risk in this population. A promising suicide prevention strategy, called the VA Brief Intervention and Contact Program (BIC), has been developed. VA BIC is designed to meet the unique needs of Veterans. Pilot studies of VA BIC in VA settings have suggested that VA BIC may address key factors related to suicide risk during care transitions including social connectedness and treatment engagement. Based on these promising results and given the critical gaps in suicide prevention care in Veterans who receive acute psychiatric treatment in non-VA settings, it is essential to determine whether VA BIC can reduce suicide risk in this high-risk population.
Objectives: This project aims to 1) Identify the effect of VA BIC on suicidal ideation after a non-VA mental health discharge, compared to standard care alone; 2) Identify the effect of VA BIC on engagement in mental health care after a non-VA mental health discharge, compared to standard care alone; 3) Identify the effect of VA BIC on social connectedness after a non-VA mental health discharge, compared to standard care alone; and 4) Compare the effect of VA BIC on suicidal behavior after a non-VA mental health discharge, compared to standard care alone.
Methods: This is an assessor-blinded, randomized control trial of VA BIC plus standard care compared to standard care alone. The trial will enroll up to 120 participants aged 18 years and older who are Veterans eligible to receive VA services and have received acute psychiatric treatment in non-VA settings affiliated with VA in Northern New England. Participants will be randomized to either the VA BIC intervention plus standard care or standard care alone. Suicidal ideation, engagement in mental health care, social connectedness and suicidal behavior will be measured at baseline and three, six , and nine months follow-up.
Hypothesis: Veterans receiving the VA BIC intervention plus standard care will report reductions in suicidal thoughts at follow-up assessments compared to Veterans receiving standard care alone. Veterans receiving the VA BIC intervention plus standard care will experience an increase in engagement in mental health care and social connectedness at follow-up assessments compared to Veterans receiving standard care alone.
- Conditions
- Suicide Prevention
- Being tested
- VA BIC, Standard Care
- Keywords
- Mental health education, Clinical trial, Suicidal ideation, Suicide, attempted, Self-injurious Behavior, Suicide, Suicide Prevention
- Medical subject headings
- Suicide Prevention, Suicidal Ideation, Suicide, Attempted, Self-Injurious Behavior, Suicide
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
VA BICBehavioural
VA BIC is a suicide prevention strategy that is designed to meet the needs of Veterans who receive acute psychiatric treatment. VA BIC can be delivered by a trained mental health provider (e.g., mental health nurse, social worker, psychologist, psychiatrist). VA BIC includes two synergistic elements to support the patient after a mental health discharge. The elements include a brief educational session, where the patient receives a one-on-one, one-hour, personalized educational session on suicide prevention. The session incorporates aspects of motivational interviewing. The patient then receives 7 regular follow-up contacts that are conducted by the interventionist. Here the interventionist monitors symptoms, assesses treatment adherence, reviews the safety plan, and assists the patient with engaging in steps to promote their well-being. The sessions incorporate aspects of motivational interviewing. Of note patients in this arm will also receive standard care.
Standard CareOther
Regardless of study assignment, all patients will have access to standard care provided upon mental health discharge in non-VA settings. VA staff will also follow standard procedures for mitigating risk including placing Veterans on high risk list when clinically appropriate.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| VA Brief Intervention and Contact Program (VA BIC) | Experimental | Patients randomized to VA BIC will receive the VA BIC intervention plus standard care Receives: Behavioral: VA BIC; Other: Standard Care |
| Standard Care | Other | Patients randomized to the control arm will receive standard care alone. Receives: Other: Standard Care |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Suicidal Ideation: The Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSS)
The Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSS) is a self-reported, 21-item scale that assesses symptoms of suicidal ideation. The total score ranges from 0-38. While there is no established BSS cutoff score to classify suicide risk, there is evidence that higher scores on the BSS correspond to more severe suicidal ideation and that a change of five points or more on the total BSS scores may be clinically relevant.
Measured: Baseline to 9 months post-baseline
Secondary outcomes (4)
Mental Healthcare Utilization: The number of mental health visits attended
The investigators will measure the total number of mental health visits that patients attended. The investigators will abstract these data from the electronic medical record. Because some patients may attend mental health visits outside of the VA healthcare system, the investigators will use a standardized data collection form to ask patients to self-report on any non-VA mental health visits they attended.
Measured: Baseline to 3 months post-baseline
Patient perception of ability to cope with suicidal behavior: The Suicide-Related Coping Scale (SRCS)
The Suicide-Related Coping Scale (SRCS) is a self-reported, 17-item scale that assesses a patient's perception of their ability to manage suicidal behavior. The scale includes two-subscales including an External Coping subscale (7-items) and an Internal Coping subscale (7-items). The total scores on the SRCS range from 0-68. The total scores on the subscales range from 0-28 for the External Coping subscale and 0-28 for the Internal Coping subscale. Higher scores indicate greater belief in ability to cope with suicidal behavior.
Measured: Baseline to 9 months post-baseline
Social Connectedness: Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire-15 (INQ-15)
The Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire-15 (INQ-15) is a self-reported, 15-item scale that assesses a patient's perception of their connectedness with others. The total scores range from 15- 105. The scale includes two-subscales: a Thwarted Belongingness subscale (9-items) and a Perceived Burdensomeness subscale (6-items) that are used to assess different aspects of connectedness. The total scores on the Thwarted Belongingness subscale range from 9-63. The total scores on the Perceived Burdensomeness subscale range from 6-42. Higher scores indicate worse perceived connectedness.
Measured: Baseline to 9 months post-baseline
Suicide Attempt Events: Fatal and non-Fatal Suicide Attempts
The investigators will measure the number of fatal and non-fatal suicide attempts. The investigators will report the number of patients who experience at least one suicide attempt (fatal and non-fatal). To assess for suicide attempts (fatal/non-fatal), the investigators will use the subpart of the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Questionnaire (C-SSRS). This is a valid measure of suicidal behavior. The investigators will also review the medical record for reports of suicide attempts (fatal/non-fatal). Of note the subpart of the C-SSRS that assesses for suicidal behavior including suicide attempts does not generate a score. It only reports on the occurrence of the event.
Measured: Baseline to 9 months post-baseline
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted19 Sep 2024
- Study start1 Oct 2025
- Primary completion30 Jun 2028 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Sep 2028 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Suicide PreventionStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by VA Office of Research and DevelopmentThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants are assigned to one of two groups in parallel: VA BIC plus standard care vs. standard care alone
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 120 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- VA Office of Research and Development
- Sponsor type
- US federal agency
- Collaborators
- White River Junction Veterans Affairs Medical Center
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Natalie Riblet, MD MPH, Principal investigator, White River Junction VA Medical Center, White River Junction, VT
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06596044
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- MHBC-003-24S
- Other IDs
- 101CX002797
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 3 Sep 2024
- Last updated
- 8 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 8 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Suicide Prevention In Department of Veterans Affairs Community Care Network Mental Health Settings
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06596044
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- MHBC-003-24S
- Conditions
- Suicide Prevention
- Keywords
- Mental health education, Clinical trial, Suicidal ideation, Suicide, attempted, Self-injurious Behavior, Suicide, Suicide Prevention
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 120 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- VA Office of Research and DevelopmentUS federal agency
- Collaborators
- White River Junction Veterans Affairs Medical Center
- Study start
- 1 Oct 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Jun 2028 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Sep 2028 (estimated)
- First posted
- 19 Sep 2024 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The study is of high importance to Veterans' health because it will study a suicide prevention intervention in a Veteran population that is at high risk of suicide but has not been a specific focus of the Veteran Affairs' (VA's) suicide prevention efforts. Specifically, a growing number of Veterans are now receiving acute mental health treatment in VA-purchased settings (commonly referred to as Community Care). While these Veterans are at high risk of suicide after discharge, very little is known about how to prevent suicide in these Veterans. This study will directly address this problem by looking at whether a promising suicide prevention strategy called the VA Brief Intervention and Contact Program (VA BIC) can decrease the risk of suicide in Veterans after they are discharged from a non-VA mental health treatment setting. The proposed research is highly pertinent to the VA's top clinical priority-to prevent suicide in Veterans.
Detailed description
Background: Suicide is a chief concern in Veterans. An increasing number of Veterans are accessing acute psychiatric treatment in non-VA settings. There is little knowledge about effective strategies to mitigate suicide risk in this population. A promising suicide prevention strategy, called the VA Brief Intervention and Contact Program (BIC), has been developed. VA BIC is designed to meet the unique needs of Veterans. Pilot studies of VA BIC in VA settings have suggested that VA BIC may address key factors related to suicide risk during care transitions including social connectedness and treatment engagement. Based on these promising results and given the critical gaps in suicide prevention care in Veterans who receive acute psychiatric treatment in non-VA settings, it is essential to determine whether VA BIC can reduce suicide risk in this high-risk population.
Objectives: This project aims to 1) Identify the effect of VA BIC on suicidal ideation after a non-VA mental health discharge, compared to standard care alone; 2) Identify the effect of VA BIC on engagement in mental health care after a non-VA mental health discharge, compared to standard care alone; 3) Identify the effect of VA BIC on social connectedness after a non-VA mental health discharge, compared to standard care alone; and 4) Compare the effect of VA BIC on suicidal behavior after a non-VA mental health discharge, compared to standard care alone.
Methods: This is an assessor-blinded, randomized control trial of VA BIC plus standard care compared to standard care alone. The trial will enroll up to 120 participants aged 18 years and older who are Veterans eligible to receive VA services and have received acute psychiatric treatment in non-VA settings affiliated with VA in Northern New England. Participants will be randomized to either the VA BIC intervention plus standard care or standard care alone. Suicidal ideation, engagement in mental health care, social connectedness and suicidal behavior will be measured at baseline and three, six , and nine months follow-up.
Hypothesis: Veterans receiving the VA BIC intervention plus standard care will report reductions in suicidal thoughts at follow-up assessments compared to Veterans receiving standard care alone. Veterans receiving the VA BIC intervention plus standard care will experience an increase in engagement in mental health care and social connectedness at follow-up assessments compared to Veterans receiving standard care alone.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants are assigned to one of two groups in parallel: VA BIC plus standard care vs. standard care alone
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| VA Brief Intervention and Contact Program (VA BIC) | Experimental | Behavioral: VA BIC, Other: Standard CarePatients randomized to VA BIC will receive the VA BIC intervention plus standard care |
| Standard Care | Other | Other: Standard CarePatients randomized to the control arm will receive standard care alone. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Veteran who is eligible to receive VA services
- Able to speak English
- Received acute psychiatric treatment in a non-VA setting affiliated with VA in Northern New England
- Endorse recent suicidal ideation (score 2+ on Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation)
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Unable to provide informed consent
- Currently receiving assertive community treatment
- Potentially vulnerable populations including prisoners, institutionalized patients, or patients currently admitted on involuntary commitment status
- Study physician deems the patient is not clinically appropriate because of clinical status such as presence of active psychosis or dementia
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| VA BICVA BIC is a suicide prevention strategy that is designed to meet the needs of Veterans who receive acute psychiatric treatment. VA BIC can be delivered by a trained mental health provider (e.g., mental health nurse, social worker, psychologist, psychiatrist). VA BIC includes two synergistic elements to support the patient after a mental health discharge. The elements include a brief educational session, where the patient receives a one-on-one, one-hour, personalized educational session on suicide prevention. The session incorporates aspects of motivational interviewing. The patient then receives 7 regular follow-up contacts that are conducted by the interventionist. Here the interventionist monitors symptoms, assesses treatment adherence, reviews the safety plan, and assists the patient with engaging in steps to promote their well-being. The sessions incorporate aspects of motivational interviewing. Of note patients in this arm will also receive standard care. | Behavioural | VA Brief Intervention and Contact Program (VA BIC) |
| Standard CareRegardless of study assignment, all patients will have access to standard care provided upon mental health discharge in non-VA settings. VA staff will also follow standard procedures for mitigating risk including placing Veterans on high risk list when clinically appropriate. | Other | Standard Care, VA Brief Intervention and Contact Program (VA BIC) |
Primary outcome
Suicidal Ideation: The Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSS)
Time frame: Baseline to 9 months post-baseline
The Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSS) is a self-reported, 21-item scale that assesses symptoms of suicidal ideation. The total score ranges from 0-38. While there is no established BSS cutoff score to classify suicide risk, there is evidence that higher scores on the BSS correspond to more severe suicidal ideation and that a change of five points or more on the total BSS scores may be clinically relevant.
4 secondary outcomes
Mental Healthcare Utilization: The number of mental health visits attended
Time frame: Baseline to 3 months post-baseline
Patient perception of ability to cope with suicidal behavior: The Suicide-Related Coping Scale (SRCS)
Time frame: Baseline to 9 months post-baseline
Social Connectedness: Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire-15 (INQ-15)
Time frame: Baseline to 9 months post-baseline
Suicide Attempt Events: Fatal and non-Fatal Suicide Attempts
Time frame: Baseline to 9 months post-baseline
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 8 Sep 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Natalie Riblet, MD MPH principal investigator
White River Junction VA Medical Center, White River Junction, VT
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing VA BIC in people with Suicide Prevention, run by VA Office of Research and Development at 1 site in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 8 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Natalie Riblet, MD MPH ((802) 295-9363 ext. 5893, Natalie.Riblet@va.gov), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Suicidal Ideation: The Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSS) (time frame: Baseline to 9 months post-baseline). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 8 Sep 2026.