A Novel Adaptation of Distress Tolerance Skills Training Among Military Veterans: Outcomes in Suicide-Related Events

• Suicide related behavioral outcomes were assessed among veterans
• Veterans who attend a modified drop-in group demonstrated reduced suicide-related behaviors
• Distress tolerance skills training may meet veteran’s unique needs

Although clinical services designed to address suicide-related behaviors are available to veterans, some factors may limit their effectiveness. Relevant factors include the presence of barriers to accessing existing services and a lack of interventions that address the unique needs of veterans. In an effort to address this gap, a modified DBT distress tolerance drop-in group was offered to a population of military veterans in an outpatient setting. This exploratory study reports clinical outcomes on this skills training group intervention informed by Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) principles among a population of self- and clinician-referred veterans. Findings suggest a significant reduction in suicide-related behaviors among veterans who attended 8 or more skills training groups. Clinical implications of study findings warrant further research into novel adaptations of evidence-based treatments for this population with unique needs.