Mental Health Treatment Utilization and Incidence of Suicidal Thoughts in Veterans

Overview

This study analyzes the prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) among US military veterans, revealing that 13.4% reported past 2-week suicidal ideation in 2025-2026, according to the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study (NHRVS). It also highlights the low engagement in mental health treatment among veterans experiencing STBs, with only 35.5% receiving care.

Background

Suicide is a significant public health issue among US military veterans, with rates substantially higher than nonveterans, as indicated by the 2025 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report. Understanding the prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, as well as the factors influencing mental health treatment utilization, is crucial for effective intervention strategies.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• 13.4% of veterans reported past 2-week suicidal ideation in 2025-2026, according to the NHRVS.
• Major depressive disorder (MDD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are significant predictors of suicidal ideation, as reported in the 2025 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report.
• Only 35.5% of veterans with suicidal ideation were engaged in mental health treatment.
• Veterans using VA healthcare were more likely to receive mental health treatment compared to non-VA users (54.7% vs 23.8%).
• Lifetime suicide planning was reported by 7.3% and lifetime suicide attempts by 3.9% of veterans.

Clinical Implications

The findings indicate a critical need for improved mental health treatment engagement among veterans experiencing suicidal thoughts. Targeted interventions may be necessary to increase treatment utilization, particularly among those not using VA services.

Conclusion

The study highlights the ongoing challenge of addressing suicidal thoughts and behaviors in the veteran population, emphasizing the importance of enhancing mental health treatment access and utilization.

Related Resources & Content

1. JAMA Network Open, 2026 -- Mental Health Treatment Utilization and Incidence of Suicidal Thoughts and Actions in Veterans
2. 2025 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report Part 2: Report Findings
3. VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for Assessment and Management of Patients at Risk for Suicide, 2024
4. JAMA Network Open — Reframing Veteran Suicide Prevention—From Prevalence to Comparative Risk Trends
5. JAMA Network Open — Group-Based Suicide Safety Planning and Skills Training for Veterans With High Suicide Risk: A Randomized
6. JAMA Network Open — Positive Mental Health Screens in the Veterans Health Administration, 2021 to 2024
7. Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) — Posttraumatic Symptoms as Predictors of Engagement With a Mobile App for Coping After Military Sexual Trauma: Public Usage Data Analysis Study
8. Reframing Veteran Suicide Prevention—From Prevalence to Comparative Risk Trends
9. Group-Based Suicide Safety Planning and Skills Training for Veterans With High Suicide Risk: A Randomized
10. 2025 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report Part 2: Report Findings
11. Suicidal Thoughts, Behaviors, and Mental Health Treatment Use in US Military Veterans | Veterans Health | JAMA Network Open | JAMA Network
12. VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for Assessment and Management of Patients at Risk for Suicide
13. Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicidal Military Personnel and Veterans: The Military Suicide Prevention Intervention Research (MSPIRE) Randomized Clinical Trial | Trials | JAMA Psychiatry | JAMA Network
14. Caring Letters Sent by a Clinician or Peer to At-Risk Veterans: A Randomized Clinical Trial | Trials | JAMA Network Open | JAMA Network