Evaluation of Gatekeeper Training for Suicide Prevention in Veterans

Clinical providers and "front line'' nonclinical staff who work with veterans, families, and communities are natural gatekeepers to identify and to refer veterans at risk for suicide. A national cohort (n = 602) of community based counseling center staff from the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) participated in an evaluation of a brief standardized gatekeeper training program and a scripted behavioral rehearsal practice session. A significant difference in knowledge and self efficacy was observed from pre to post ( p < .0001) with the nonclinicians showing larger effect sizes for knowledge (0.96 vs. 0.42) and self efficacy (0.89 vs. 0.41). Gatekeeper training for suicide prevention shows promise for increasing the capacity of VA staff to work with at risk veterans.