RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06803329

Qnnections: Refinement and Pilot Trial of a Suicide Prevention Intervention to Increase Social Connection

Qnnections: A Novel Suicide Prevention Intervention for Increasing Social Connection Among LGBTQ+ Veterans

Sponsor

VA Office of Research and Development

Enrollment

66 participants

Start Date

Mar 1, 2026

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Social Isolation Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors

Summary

Despite the high risk of suicide among LGBTQ+ Veterans, there is currently no suicide-focused intervention for this population. This study will refine and pilot Qnnections, a novel group-based suicide prevention intervention that aims to increase social connection and functioning in this population. The project will involve Veterans with lived experience in further refining Qnnections, and then will examine feasibility and acceptability of Qnnections and of study procedures in a pilot randomized clinical trial.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This clinical trial is studying a behavioral approach called Enhanced Usual Care and a behavioral approach called Qnnections for people with social isolation and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The study is currently recruiting participants at 1 location. People eligible for this study include aged 18 Years and older.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALQnnections

A novel group-based suicide prevention intervention that augments standard VA mental health services for LGBTQ+ Veterans with current suicidal thoughts or recent suicidal behavior. Informed by the empirically-supported theoretical framework of the interpersonal theory of suicide and prior work tailoring interventions for minority stress, Qnnections is a structured 10-week group that uses a cognitive behavioral framework to target perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness. Veterans will also receive safety planning and referrals.

BEHAVIORALEnhanced Usual Care

The active control condition includes: 1) VA Safety Planning Intervention and 2) referrals to VA and non-VA services relevant to the individual. The safety plan will be conducted by Dr. Chang, a licensed psychologist. Therefore, EUC only differs from the Qnnections condition as it does not have the 10-session Qnnections intervention. EUC is intended to include elements of VA suicide prevention standard practice. The control condition is considered enhanced as all participants will receive these elements, whereas Veterans are not guaranteed to receive all of these services if not enrolled in this study.