Veterans Crisis Line Callers With and Without Prior VHA Service Use. Issue 3 (2nd July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Britton, Peter C.; Kopacz, Marek S.; Stephens, Brady; Bossarte, Robert M.
• Is Part Of: Archives of suicide research. Volume 20:Issue 3(2016)
• Page Start: 314
• Page End: 322
• Publication Date: 2016-07-02
• Subjects: suicide -- telephone counseling -- veterans; Suicide -- Periodicals; 179.7
• DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2015.1017681
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1381-1118

Abstract

Abstract : This study examines differences between Veterans with and without prior Veterans Health Administration service use who received a clinical referral from the Veterans' Crisis Line. Differences between groups were identified using data taken from 13, 444 calls and medical records. Approximately 91% of Veterans had a history of service use and 9% did not. Callers with prior service use were older, had more mental health disorders, made in-person contact more quickly, and used more outpatient mental healthcare. Those without prior service use were younger, had more mental health problems, and presented for care later. Callers with suicide-related diagnoses had high rates of service contact. These groups represent different subpopulations with unique healthcare needs and practices.