by Justin Jackson , Medical Xpress

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Boston University School of Public Health research suggests that virtual mental health care may significantly reduce suicide-related events (SREs) among veterans recently released from service. For every 1% increase in virtual mental health visits, there was a 2.5% decrease in SREs.

Mental health care has long been a critical component of veteran support, particularly given the rising rates of suicide in the United States, where suicide rates rose by 35% from 2000 to 2018. Veterans facing unique mental health challenges due to service-related stress remain especially vulnerable to suicide-related events.

As telehealth expanded rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health services also adapted, allowing providers to reach patients through virtual platforms. While research has shown that telehealth offers effectiveness comparable to in-person therapy for various psychiatric conditions, its role in preventing suicide has been largely unexplored until the current study.

In the study, “Virtual Mental Health Care and Suicide-Related Events,” published in JAMA Network Open, researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from the Veterans Health Administration, focusing on veterans returning to civilian life who were diagnosed with major depressive disorder, substance use disorder, or posttraumatic stress disorder.

The cohort included 16,236 veterans and 66,387 observations between March 2020 and December 2021. Researchers applied a quasi-experimental instrumental variable (IV) probit model, which adjusted for confounding factors such as mental health severity and access to care.

Broadband access served as an instrumental variable, correlating with the likelihood of receiving virtual mental health services but theoretically unrelated to the outcome of SREs.

Virtual mental health visits accounted for an average of 44.6% of all mental health visits in the sample. Findings indicated that a 1% increase in the probability of having a virtual mental health visit was associated with a 2.5% decrease in suicide-related events.

Veterans in rural regions, where access to health care facilities remains limited, particularly benefited from virtual mental health care. Researchers conclude that the VHA’s increased telehealth capacity during the pandemic contributed positively to suicide prevention.

Further research is needed to confirm these findings across veteran demographics, time since service, and beyond the unique circumstances of the pandemic.

The study’s findings show the potential of virtual mental health services in reducing SREs, reinforcing calls for expanded mental telehealth options within the VHA, and possibly informing broader mental health policies aimed at high-risk populations.

More information: Kertu Tenso et al, Virtual Mental Health Care and Suicide-Related Events, JAMA Network Open (2024). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.43054

Jean Yoon, Building the Evidence on Mental Telehealth Care and Health Outcomes, JAMA Network Open (2024). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.43330

Journal information:JAMA Network Open

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