May 2014 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-12-128
Elsa Larson H.Corresponding author
Division of Infectious Diseases, The Miriam Hospital
This commentary argues for incorporating secondary prevention into the HIV care continuum for patients retained in care. It outlines opportunities to reduce transmission through viral suppression, risk reduction counseling, and supportive services within routine visits.
Mar 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-20-3242
Nagaraj NitashaCorresponding author
Research Scientist, The George Washington University, Milken Institute School of Public Health, Department of Prevention and Community Health, 950 New Hampshire Ave, NW, 3rd Floor, Washington
Mental health and mental illness is a critical to a person’s overall health. In the United States alone, mental illness effects one in six adults. Furthermore, 40% of those individuals who die of suicide have been diagnosed with a mental health condition or illness. Yet, there is a paucity of research on innovative methods that help prevent suicide. The Contextual-Conceptual Therapy (CCT) approach introduces an innovative way to treat suicide by working to uncover the strengths of the suicidal person and addressing a person’s true self. The CCT approach was developed over the course of 25 years working with more than 16,000 suicidal patients in Seattle, Washington, and is tailored specifically for primary and secondary prevention of suicide. While there has been anecdotal evidence of the effectiveness of the CCT program, the program has yet to be formally evaluated. This qualitative research study aims to understand the impact the CCT approach has had on its clients. Eleven former CCT clients were recruited to participate in semi-structured interviews. Outcomes described by participants included an increase in curiosity and self-efficacy as a means through which to decrease suicide ideation and behavior, and proved to be incredibly powerful in changing long-term outcomes. This qualitative study is a first-step in providing critical insight on suicide prevention for wider dissemination. At a time when adverse mental health and illness is impacting the lives of millions of people, the CCT approach has the potential to address suicide, mental illness and mental health across diverse populations.