A Novel Cognitive Remediation Intervention Targeting Poor Decision-making and Depression in Veterans at High Risk for Suicide: A Safe, Telehealth Approach During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Despite large-scale, nationwide efforts to better address suicidal behavior in Veterans at high risk, the development of interventions that target some of the key risk factors associated with suicide remains limited. This study aims to collect pilot data to test feasibility/acceptability of a novel adjunctive evidence-based cognitive remediation (CR) therapy with manualized "Bridging" sessions for transfer and practice of problem-solving strategies for real-world stressors, including those that trigger suicidal thoughts. This 10-week (20 session) Neuropsychological Educational Approach to Cognitive Remediation CR+Bridging telehealth intervention will be administered virtually via HIPPA-compliant services to 36 Veterans with major depressive disorder and a history of suicide attempt(s). Pre-, post-treatment, and follow-up assessments of neurocognitive, clinical, social, and real-world functioning also will be conducted. This study has potential for high public health impact and promise to help improve quality of life for Veterans at high risk for suicide.