Can short videos save lives? new study tests messages for suicidal veterans

NCT ID NCT04784663

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jul 10, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study tested whether short video messages could encourage veterans who recently left the military and are thinking about suicide to seek mental health treatment. 355 veterans who were not currently in therapy watched four brief videos on a smartphone app. Researchers then checked if they started treatment within one or two months. The goal was to find out what kinds of messages work best to overcome barriers to getting help.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: brief video messages
What this could lead to: If successful, this could show that simple video messages can help more veterans get mental health care when they need it most.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed study testing only short-term effects. Results may not apply to all veterans or lead to lasting changes in treatment seeking.

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.

Communication Psychological Well-Being Suicide

As listed by the trial registrant

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

MENTAL HEALTH SUICIDE

Contacts and locations

Locations

VA Finger Lakes Healthcare System, Canandaigua, NY

Canandaigua, New York, 14424-1159, United States

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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.