Suicide-specific training experiences and needs among military mental health providers

Background: Military suicide rates have risen over the past two decades, with a notable spike in recent years. To address this issue, military mental health providers must be equipped with the skills required to provide timely and effective care; yet little is known about the suicide-specific training experiences or needs of these professionals.

Methods: Thirty-five mental health care providers who treat active duty personnel at military treatment facilities participated in this mixed-methods study. All participants completed a survey assessing training and clinical experiences, comfort and proficiency in working with patients at risk for suicide, and perceived barriers to obtaining suicide-specific training. A sub-set of participants (n = 8) completed a telephone interview to further describe previous experiences and perceived challenges to obtaining training.

Results: The majority of participants (79.4%) had 6+ years of clinical experience, had a patient who had attempted suicide (85.3%), and completed at least one suicide-related training since finishing their education (82.4%). Survey results showed the leading barrier to enrolling in suicide-specific trainings was perceived lack of training opportunities (40.7% reported it was a barrier “quite often” or more), followed by lack of time (25%). Interview results revealed lack of time, location and logistical issues, and low perceived need for additional training among providers could impede enrollment.

Conclusions: Study results identified several modifiable barriers to receiving suicide-specific continuing education among military mental health providers. Future efforts should develop accessible training programs that can be easily integrated into routine clinical operations to mount the best defense against suicide.

HIGHLIGHTS: Military mental health providers report significant experience and relatively high degrees of comfort and proficiency working with patients at high risk for suicide. Most providers reported receiving training in suicide assessment and screening; few reported prior training in management of suicidality. Study results identified several modifiable barriers to receiving suicide-prevention continuing education among military mental health care providers; future efforts should seek to develop accessible training programs that can be easily integrated into routine clinical operations to mount the best defense against suicide.