Problem-solving therapy for suicide prevention outcomes in the VA’s suicide prevention 2.0 clinical telehealth program

U.S. Veterans are at elevated risk for suicide, and suicide prevention is a top clinical priority of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Problem-Solving Therapy for Suicide Prevention (PST-SP) is an evidence-based practice offered in the VA's national Suicide Prevention (SP 2.0) Clinical Telehealth Program, through a fully virtual model. This paper presents clinical outcomes from this program. PST-SP was delivered to 3754 VA-enrolled Veterans with suicidal self-directed violent behaviors in the past year, and 2269 completed a full course of PST-SP. Veterans completed a median of 7 and mode of 6 sessions of PST-SP. Suicide-related coping, suicide-relevant cognitions, negative problem-solving beliefs, and depressive symptoms significantly improved throughout treatment. Results indicated that providing PST-SP treatment via telehealth is feasible and acceptable to Veterans enrolled in VA with a recent history of suicidal self-directed violence behaviors. Veterans demonstrated clinical improvement in suicide and mental health-related outcomes with PST-SP treatment.