Suicide is a leading cause of death in Veterans. Suicide rates among Veterans have increased approximately 36% from 2001 to 2020. Veterans are at increased risk for suicide compared to non-Veterans, with the rate of suicide death being 57.3% higher for Veterans than non-Veterans. The present study will pilot test a virtual couple-based crisis response plan (CRP-C) for Veterans in order to reduce crisis symptoms and decrease suicide risk.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* (At least) One participant from the couple must have Veteran status
* Currently resides in Georgia
* English speaking
* The Veteran must own a smartphone
* Veteran must have experienced crisis symptoms in the past three months. At least 1 symptom of entrapment, and at least 1 symptom from 2 of the associated disturbance categories \[i.e. affective disturbance, loss of cognitive control, hyperarousal, or social withdrawal\]
* Currently be in a committed relationship for at least one year
* The Veteran must be able to present a copy of DD form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty issued by the U.S. Department of Defense)
Exclusion Criteria:
* Non-English speaking
* Under 18 years of age
* Resides in a different state than Georgia
* Either partner reports injury or fear resulting from intimate partner violence in the past three months.
* Participants who meet study criteria for imminent suicide risk Depressive Symptom Index - Suicidality Subscale (Joiner et al., 2002), defined as a DSI- SS score of 7 or greater, or selecting "3" on items B \[formulated plan\] or D \[constant urge to kill self (I. H. Stanley et al., 2021)
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Acceptability of Intervention Measure (AIM)
Timeframe: Measured at 3-month follow-up appointment (Post-intervention)
2
Feasibility Measure of Intervention (FIM)
Timeframe: Measured at 3-month follow-up appointment (Post-intervention)
3
Intervention Appropriateness Measure (IAM)
Timeframe: Measured at 3-month follow-up appointment (Post-intervention)
4
Suicide Crisis Inventory-2
Timeframe: Measured during eligibility screening, baseline and at 3-month follow-up
5
Recruitment Engagement
Timeframe: Monitored throughout enrollment phase (i.e. from start of enrollment until participant quota is met). This will occur over approximately a 3-month time frame. This data will be analyzed along with other outcomes after data collection has concluded.