Suicide Prevention After Community Care Discharge

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.

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.