Veterans helping veterans: peer support shows promise in suicide prevention
NCT ID NCT04222673
First seen Nov 06, 2025 · Last updated Jun 20, 2026 · Updated 33 times
Summary
This pilot study tested whether trained peer specialists—veterans who have faced similar challenges—could support fellow veterans at high risk for suicide. Over three months, 17 veterans received one-on-one mentoring focused on building hope, connection, and meaning in their communities. The study measured changes in recovery, hope, suicidal thoughts, and depression. While results are preliminary, the approach aims to supplement standard care with empathy and lived experience.
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Contacts and locations
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Locations
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VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI
Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48105, United States
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VA Connecticut Healthcare System West Haven Campus, West Haven, CT
West Haven, Connecticut, 06516, United States
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VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System University Drive Division, Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15240, United States
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 Suicide Prevention (behavioural intervention: peer support and mentorship)
What this could lead to
If this approach works, it could offer a low-cost, community-based way to reduce suicide risk and improve well-being in veterans.
What could go wrong
This was a very small pilot study (17 participants) with no control group, so results may not be generalizable. The intervention is still experimental and needs larger trials to confirm effectiveness.
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.