Cohen Veterans Network (CVN), a national not-for-profit network of mental health clinics for post-9/11 veterans, service members and their families, has officially published results from its latest study focused upon suicide prevention ecosystem.
According to certain reports, the stated research was backed by a grant from Face the Fight. More on the same would reveal how it involved two distinct but related studies of CVN’s suicide assessment and prevention ecosystem.
Talk about the first study, researchers utilized here a set of qualitative interviews to examine client perspectives on suicide risk management processes across the network. As for what they discovered by doing so, the answer begins from the fact that clients’ development of connection and trust with their therapist was an essential element of therapy, creating a safe environment in which clients felt secure enough to share their experiences with suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Next up, they found how, despite initial hesitancies, clients found safety planning and standardized measures to be beneficial when they were collaboratively implemented and incorporated into core therapeutic encounters. Markedly enough, the study also reached upon a conclusion that in-session skill building and practice empowered positive change. Alongside that, it discovered lethal means counseling was better received when clinicians were direct in their approach.
“The significance of cultivating a therapeutic relationship that is understanding, supportive, and collaborative cannot be overstated,” said Dr. Tracy Neal Walden, Chief Clinical Officer at Cohen Veterans Network. “By emphasizing empathy and encouraging open dialogue, our clinicians establish a strong foundation for effective intervention. With the support of Face the Fight, these valuable insights help us advance the field by enhancing clinical practice around suicide prevention.”
Turning our attention towards the second study, it basically analyzed electronic health record data to identify predictors of clinically elevated suicide risk among veterans and active duty clients. By doing so, it found that depression and PTSD were strongly predictive of elevated suicide risk.
Furthermore, it got to know how a wide range of trauma exposures including adverse childhood experiences, military sexual trauma, and recent serious traumatic events were also predictive of suicide risk. Rounding up highlights was a finding where the researchers would learn that several social drivers of health, also known as social determinants of health, including housing and employment insecurity, and lack of social support were also linked to increased suicide risk.
Beyond that, in a bid to deepen their understanding about impact attached to social drivers of risk among vulnerable client sub-groups, the researching team would go on to conduct a comprehensive analysis regarding the unique social-environmental challenges faced by minoritized clients across Cohen Clinics. The idea driving this particular effort was to shed some more light upon the significant role that case management has to play in mitigating the impacts of these social risks through coordinated care and linking clients to necessary resources.
“Our findings highlight the urgent need for comprehensive support systems that address mental health, and psychological trauma, as well as social, environmental and resource challenges faced by veterans and active duty service members,” said Dr. David Linkh, Director of CVN-IQ. “By understanding the multifaceted nature of suicide risk, we can develop more effective prevention and intervention strategies tailored to the unique experiences of these populations.”
On that note, we ought to mention that the research in question was actively led by the Cohen Veterans Network Institute for Quality (CVN-IQ). Launched back in 2022, the institute leverages research, innovation, and collaboration with other military and veteran service agencies, mental health industry leaders and academic partners to improve treatment outcomes for veterans, service members and their families, thus enhancing their quality of life.
“Suicide prevention is a shared commitment, which is why we work collectively to support our veterans and service members,” said Justin Schmitt, AVP of Corporate Responsibility at USAA, which founded Face the Fight. “At USAA, we are fully committed to partnering with organizations like Cohen Veterans Network to find solutions to reduce military and veteran suicide and better support those who have served our nation.”
