title: Veterans Crisis Line Callers With and Without Prior VHA Service Use.
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.
authors.forename: Peter C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Britton
authors.forename: Marek S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Kopacz
authors.forename: Brady
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Stephens
authors.forename: Robert M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Bossarte
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003419:Crisis Intervention / Q000379:methods*; D000068237:Distance Counseling / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008501:Medical Records, Problem-Oriented / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014493:United States Department of Veterans Affairs; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology*; D000092864:Suicide Prevention
keywords: suicide; telephone counseling; veterans