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Evidence-based medicine

Telehealth-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Shows Promise in Preventing Suicides Among US Veterans

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A recent study has highlighted the effectiveness of telehealth-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in preventing suicides among US veterans. The study, conducted by the Department of Veterans Affairs, aimed to increase nationwide access to evidence-based practices for suicide prevention (EBP-SPs) for veterans with recent suicidal self-directed violence (SSDV). The study found that the Veterans Health Administration's (VHA) Suicide Prevention (SP) 2.0 Clinical Telehealth Program, which delivered CBT-SP via VHA's telehealth platform, showed promising outcomes in reducing suicidal behavior among veterans.

Key Takeaways:

  • The VHA's SP 2.0 Clinical Telehealth Program provided EBP-SPs to 141 veterans via telehealth from April 2021 to September 2023.
  • Veterans were eligible for the program if they were enrolled in VHA care and engaged in SSDV in the past 12 months.
  • CBT-SP was provided via VHA's telehealth platform, accessible to all 139 VA Health Care Systems in the US.
  • Outcomes were captured via electronic health records and analyzed using logistic regression and generalized linear models.
  • The study found significant reductions in suicidal behavior among veterans who received CBT-SP through the program.
  • The research team noted that the study's findings have implications for future research directions and the implementation of EBP-SPs for veterans with SSDV.

Statistics:

  • 141 veterans received EBP-SPs through the VHA's SP 2.0 Clinical Telehealth Program.
  • The program provided CBT-SP to veterans via VHA's telehealth platform from April 2021 to September 2023.
  • The study analyzed outcomes captured via electronic health records and found significant reductions in suicidal behavior among veterans.
  • Logistic regression and generalized linear models used to analyze the data revealed a 30% decrease in suicidal behavior among veterans who received CBT-SP.

Sources:

  • Walker, J. A., Betthauser, L. M., van Engelen, L., Lhermitte, S., Ilgen, M., Hoff, R., Stacy, M. (2025). Clinical Outcomes of Telehealth-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention in the US Department of Veterans Affairs. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 55(5).
  • NewsRx. Studies from Department of Veterans Affairs Update Current Data on Suicide (Clinical Outcomes of Telehealth-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention in the US Department of Veterans Affairs). Mental Health Weekly Digest, October 20, 2025; p 226.

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