VA has standardized the suicide risk screening and evaluation processes across all VHA facilities for treatment purposes. The process uses high-quality, evidence-based tools and practices and is designed to help VA provide preventive mental health care to Veterans. It comprises three parts—an initial screening, a secondary screening, and a comprehensive evaluation. Guidance on this new process is available on VA's Talent Management System (TMS):

• VA 36829: Suicide Risk Screening and Assessment ID Overview Session
• VA 36816: Suicide Risk Screening and Assessment ID Primary and Secondary Screening Tools
• VA 36830: Suicide Risk Screening and Assessment ID Comprehensive Suicide Risk Evaluation

During the first phase of screening, Veterans are asked this question to identify Veterans who may be at risk: "Over the last two weeks, how often have you been bothered by thoughts that you would be better off dead or of hurting yourself in some way?" Studies have found that this question is a strong predictor of suicide risk (Louzon, Bossarte, McCarthy, & Katz, 2016). While not a part of most C&P examinations, it is recommended that examiners ask this question if they are concerned about depression or suicidal ideation.

Additional training on suicide risk assessment is available on the TMS in VA 34399: Suicide Risk Assessment. As well, a self-study course, Suicide Risk Prevention for Clinicians, is available on TRAIN.

Other useful information, including data on Veteran suicides and information about the warning signs of suicide, can be found on the VA Mental Health web page for Suicide Prevention.