Closing the gap: Telehealth is bringing suicide prevention care to every Veteran

VA reduces barriers to care by providing evidence-based suicide prevention treatment via telehealth

Imagine a Veteran living in rural Montana who survived a suicide attempt three weeks ago. He’s not in danger right now, but he knows he needs mental healthcare to be proactive and stay safe. However, the closest VA clinic is three hours away. He works and takes care of his family, and most days he is already very tired. Driving that far for help feels too hard, and he’s at risk of struggling alone.

This is exactly the kind of problem VA set out to solve: Veterans who need care most are often the ones least able to reach it.

The Suicide Prevention Telehealth Program (SPTP) can overcome treatment barriers to reduce suicide risk

VA launched the Suicide Prevention Telehealth Program (SPTP).

This treatment is available for Veterans after a suicide attempt and fills the gap between crisis response and routine mental healthcare. Veterans don’t need to wonder whether this care is available at their facility because it’s available nationwide through telehealth.

That means this specialized therapy can happen in the comfort of their homes. Veterans meet with a therapist via VA Video Connect, VA’s secure videoconferencing app. In this way, Veterans don’t have to wait for another crisis to happen or return to the hospital. Instead, they can work with experts to keep themselves safe.

Therapists are trained experts in suicide prevention interventions

Therapists are trained in suicide prevention treatments that are supported by science.

These treatments help Veterans understand what drives their suicide risk. Veterans learn skills to handle stress and stay safe. Veterans and therapists work together toward goals to prevent suicide and find healthy ways to cope. To date, thousands of Veterans have received therapy in SPTP, reporting fewer suicidal thoughts, less depression and stronger coping skills after treatment.

Veterans are finding new ways of thinking and effective ways of problem-solving

Now, vulnerable Veterans can get the care they need without the time and stress of travel. They do not need to wait alone for another crisis to happen. Instead, they can work together with a provider to prevent it.

A Veteran feeling hopeless about finances can go to appointments without paying for gas. Another Veteran overwhelmed after becoming a single parent can talk with a therapist while her son takes a nap. Someone who was discharged from the hospital after a suicide attempt can go to weekly telehealth appointments to learn how to make life-sustaining choices.

Support is always available

The Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7. You don’t have to be in immediate crisis to reach out, and you don’t need to be enrolled in VA benefits or healthcare. Dial 988, then press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255.

To learn more about directly accessing VA mental health services, visit VA Mental Health Services.