Supporting Relationships to Reduce Suicide Risk: A Randomized Control Trial of the Brief Relationship Checkup

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to compare two approaches to support Veterans facing both mental health and relationship challenges in primary care. It focuses on Veterans in committed relationships where at least one partner has mental health concerns like depression, PTSD, alcohol misuse, or suicidal thoughts. The study examines if a brief couples-based program can better reduce suicide risk factors at both the relationship and individual levels compared to a current standard individual-based care. The study compares a three-session couples program called the Brief Relationship Checkup (BRC), designed to improve relationship health and reduce suicide risk factors, with three sessions of Co-Located Collaborative Care (CCC) provided to the Veteran alone, which is the existing standard care. BRC uses brief, structured 30-minute couple therapy sessions, while CCC includes functional assessments and action plans for the Veteran. Participants are randomized to either BRC or CCC and complete follow-up assessments at post-treatment, 3 months, and 6 months. Participants attend three treatment sessions according to their assigned group and complete evaluations of relationship functioning and emotional intimacy at several points up to 7.5 months after randomization. Researchers monitor treatment engagement and collect data through baseline, post-treatment, and follow-up assessments. The study aims to develop tools to measure how well the BRC program is delivered and its impact on suicide-related risk and protective factors.

Relationship Checkups to Reduce Veteran Suicide Risk