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. 2016 Jul 2;20(3):314-22.
doi: 10.1080/13811118.2015.1017681. Epub 2015 Dec 9.

Veterans Crisis Line Callers With and Without Prior VHA Service Use

Peter C Britton, Marek S Kopacz, Brady Stephens, Robert M Bossarte

Veterans Crisis Line Callers With and Without Prior VHA Service Use

Peter C Britton et al. Arch Suicide Res. .

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.

Keywords: suicide; telephone counseling; veterans.

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References

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