Veterans study finds virtual mental health care can significantly reduce suicide

Medical Xpress November 11, 2024
Justin Jackson, Medical Xpress

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...

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