Citation

Goodman M, Sullivan SR, Spears AP, Dixon L, Sokol Y, Kapil-Pair KN, Galfalvy HC, Hazlett EA, Stanley B. Arch. Suicide Res. 2021; 25(3): 690-703.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, International Academy of Suicide Research, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13811118.2020.1746940

PMID

32290789

Abstract

In 2008, the Department of Veterans Affairs mandated that clinicians oversee the construction of a Suicide Safety Plan for every patient who is identified as "high risk" for suicide. While the Suicide Safety Plan is a mandated "best practice," there are currently no recommended guidelines for its augmentation in a group setting. To address this gap, a novel group intervention, "Project Life Force," (PLF; a 10-session manualized psychotherapy), was developed and piloted.

RESULTS indicate high feasibility and acceptability. Exploratory analysis revealed statistically significant decreases in suicidal thoughts/behaviors, depression, and hopelessness. Feedback from Veterans and PLF therapists is also discussed. Despite some limitations (e.g. small sample size) exploratory results suggest that PLF may be a promising treatment for Veterans with suicidal symptomology.

Language: en

Keywords

Group therapy; safety plan; suicide; veterans