Veterans helping veterans: peer support may lower suicide risk

NCT ID NCT04222673

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether trained peer specialists—Veterans who have faced similar challenges—could help other Veterans at high risk for suicide. Over three months, 17 Veterans received one-on-one support focused on building hope, connection, and a sense of purpose. Researchers measured changes in recovery, hope, suicidal thoughts, and depression. The goal was to see if peer support could supplement standard care and improve well-being.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Peer Specialist support (behavioral intervention)
What this could lead to: If this approach works, it could offer a new way to reduce suicide risk by connecting Veterans with trained peers who understand their struggles.
What could go wrong: This was a very small pilot study with only 17 participants, so results may not apply to all Veterans. The intervention is supportive, not a medical treatment, and may not prevent suicide in all cases.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

bipolar depression endogenous depression Suicide

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

SUICIDE

Contacts and locations

Locations

VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI

Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48105, United States
VA Connecticut Healthcare System West Haven Campus, West Haven, CT

West Haven, Connecticut, 06516, United States
VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System University Drive Division, Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15240, United States

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