A Brief Intervention to Reduce Suicide Risk in Military Service Members and Veterans - Study 2 (SAFEMIL)

Background: Mental health related hospitalizations and suicide are both significant public
health problems within the United States Department of Defense (DoD). There are limited
evidence-based suicide prevention interventions that have been developed for military
personnel and veterans who are experiencing suicide ideation or who have made a suicide
attempt.

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of the Safety Planning for Military (SAFE MIL) on
suicide ideation, suicide-related coping, and attitudes toward help seeking for hospitalized
military personnel at high suicide risk.

Methodology: To test the efficacy of the adapted intervention, the investigators will
randomize 186 patients to one of two conditions: Safety Planning for Military (SAFE MIL) or
Enhanced Usual Care (E-CARE). The SAFE MIL condition (intervention) will consist of the
Safety Planning Intervention to help the suicidal individual with a collaboratively generated
personal plan to mitigate or prevent a future suicidal crisis. The E-Care will consist of the
usual care patients receive at an inpatient facility during their hospitalization in addition
to assessment services provided by independent evaluators who work directly with our research
team. Primary outcomes include suicide ideation, suicide-related coping, and attitudes toward
help-seeking [acceptability and initiation of services]. Patients in both conditions will be
assessed on the dependent measures at the time of hospital admission (i.e., baseline), at the
time discharge (Follow-Up Interval 1 [FU-1]), at 1-month (Follow-Up Interval 2 [FU-2]) and at
6-month (Follow-Up Interval 3 [FU-3]).

Inclusion Criteria:

- Patient Admitted Due to Recent Suicide Intent and/or Suicide Attempt within past month

- Baseline Assessment Completed within 48 Hours of Hospital Admission

- Age of 18 years or older.

Exclusion Criteria:

- Medical Incapacity to Participate and/or Serious Cognitive Impairment

- Expected Discharge within 72 Hours of Admission

- Expected Deployment within 1-Month

- Inability to read or understand English

- Inability to provide Informed Consent