Citation

Hoyt T, Holliday R, Simonetti JA, Monteith LL. Prof. Psychol. Res. Pr. 2021; 52(4): 387-395.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, American Psychological Association)

DOI

10.1037/pro0000372

PMID

34421193

Abstract

Suicides by firearm have increased over the past decade among United States service members and veterans. As firearm access is a suicide risk factor, firearm-related lethal means safety is critical to suicide prevention. However, identity, occupational, and cultural barriers may deter efforts to promote lethal means safety with service members and veterans. The current manuscript describes a collaborative framework to guide mental health providers' in conducting firearm-related lethal means safety with service members and veterans, including within the context of Safety Planning. In approaching firearm lethal means safety conversations with patients, clinicians must work to overcome their own reticence, address patient concerns directly, and remain culturally sensitive to the values of the military and veteran communities. This approach is illustrated using case vignettes that encompass addressing firearm-related lethal means safety with service members and veterans.

Language: en

Keywords

suicide; firearms; veteran; lethal means safety; military personnel