Current Projects

Qnnections

Despite the high risk of suicide among LGBTQ+ Veterans, there is currently no suicide-focused intervention for LGBTQ+ Veterans. This study will refine and pilot Qnnections, a novel group-based suicide prevention intervention that aims to increase social connection and functioning that is tailored to the unique experiences and risk factors of LGBTQ+ Veterans. This project will involve Veterans with lived experience in further refining Qnnections, and then will examine feasibility and acceptability of Qnnections and of study procedures in a pilot clinical trial.

Mental Health and Healthcare Experiences of LGBTQ+ Veterans With a History of Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors

The objective of this study is to understand the barriers and facilitators to LGBTQ+ Veterans engaging in VA mental health care, as well as primary needs and key targets for intervention to reduce suicide risk in this group.

Minority Stress and Treatment Preferences

To better refine suicide prevention initiatives for LGBTQ+ Veterans, this study aims to understand the unique experiences of LGBTQ+ Veterans at the VA who have experienced active suicidal ideation and/or suicide attempt(s). Specifically, this study: a) examines these Veterans’ impressions of receiving mental health care at the VA and their preferences for care that may help to address suicide risk among LGBTQ+ Veterans, and b) elicits the perspectives of clinicians who have worked with LGBTQ+ Veterans regarding these same topics.