Motivational interviewing to address suicidal ideation: A randomized controlled trial in veterans

Objective Although the months following discharge from psychiatric hospitalization are a period of acute risk for veterans, there is a dearth of empirically supported treatments tailored to veterans in acute psychiatric hospitalization. Method We conducted a randomized controlled trial to test the efficacy of Motivational Interviewing to Address Suicidal Ideation (MI-SI) that explored and resolved […]

A procedure for changing a behavioral health treatment during a trial, with case example in suicide prevention

During a trial, standardization can lock in a treatment that researchers learn is flawed and may be ineffective. In such cases, researchers typically decide between two options, continue the trial and monitor for iatrogenic effects or stop the trial. When faced with this dilemma while testing an adaptation of motivational interviewing to address suicidal ideation, […]

Integrating motivational interviewing and self-determination theory with cognitive behavioral therapy to prevent suicide

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been found to be effective in preventing suicide-related behavior. However, it is often difficult to engage patients who are at-risk in treatment. Motivational Interviewing (MI) has been shown to increase treatment engagement and improve treatment outcomes when it is used to complement other treatments. As a general theory of human motivation that is consistent […]

Motivational interviewing for means restriction counseling with patients at risk for suicide.

Means restriction is one of the most promising suicide prevention interventions. Clinicians need tools to overcome the barriers to successful means restriction counseling. Motivational interviewing (MI) can be used with patients who are ambivalent about taking safety precautions. Research is needed to further assess the effectiveness of an MI-based approach to means restriction counseling.