Research

Current Research Projects

SUicide Prevention by Peers Offering Recovery Tactics (SUPPORT)

Over five years, this study aims to refine and pilot a peer-delivered intervention to improve functional and social recovery to prevent suicidal ideation and behaviors; the study consists of two phases including n=65 Veterans with serious mental illness (SMI) and n=4 Peer Specialists (N=69). Phase 1 (1.5 years) employs a user-centered design approach to refine SUPPORT materials aided by scientific and consumer advisory board (n=4) members as well as training our Peer Specialists to fidelity on pilot cases (n=15) in an open trial. Peer Specialists (n=4) who are trained to deliver SUPPORT as part of this study will also be consented and asked to complete questionnaires of their experiences. Phase 2 (3.5 years) will pilot a feasibility and acceptability randomized controlled trial (n=50) of SUPPORT.

We have developed a targeted/planned enrollment specifically to ensure the inclusion of women and racial/ethnic minorities. VA San Diego Healthcare System serves a diverse population of Veterans, including gender, race/ethnicity, age/era, and co-morbid mental health and physical diagnoses. Veteran participants will be Veterans endorsing past-month active suicidal ideation (SI) and/or suicidal behavior in the past three months (i.e., Columbia – Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) > or equal to 2) at the time of presentation to the same-day mental health access clinics or provider referral. The primary purpose of Phase 1 is to collect quantitative and qualitative data to ensure session topics and skills are helpful and relevant to refine the treatment protocol as well as training of Peer Specialists to reach fidelity. Phase 2 will evaluate primarily feasibility as well as obtaining preliminary data of SUPPORT for a potential efficacy study. The primary outcomes to be evaluated in the Phase 2 pilot is change in personal recovery and SI severity. Secondary outcomes concern Veteran functioning (i.e., psychosocial functioning, quality of life, recall). Additional exploratory outcomes include cognitive strategy use and measures of suicide risk.

Trial Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05537376