Each year, about 200,000 U.S. military service members transition to civilian life, facing challenges such as job searches, relocation, new financial obligations, and adapting to a society that may not fully recognize their skills. For many veterans, this period involves a significant loss of identity and purpose due to separation from the mission-driven environment and camaraderie found in the military.
The Department of Defense operates the Transition Assistance Program to help service members meet career readiness standards before leaving active duty. The Department of Veterans Affairs also provides support through its Solid Start outreach program during veterans’ first year after service. While these programs help many adjust successfully, some veterans experience negative outcomes including mental health issues and an increased risk of suicide. National data indicate that the first year after leaving military service is particularly risky for suicide compared to civilians of similar age and sex.
Clinical psychologists have developed models to better understand factors contributing to suicidal ideation among transitioning veterans. One widely used model highlights perceived burdensomeness and lack of belonging as key contributors. New veterans who struggle with employment or health may feel like a burden or disconnected from others, increasing their risk for mental health crises if they lose hope.
Research suggests that stressors often precede suicide attempts among veterans, underscoring the importance of effective problem-solving skills during this transition period.
Traditional mental health interventions are typically provided after symptoms appear. However, experts suggest that providing support earlier—before feelings of burdensomeness or isolation develop—could be more effective in preventing poor outcomes. In 2009, national organizations recommended expanding mental health efforts beyond treatment and prevention to include promotion of well-being by focusing on positive factors such as self-esteem and social inclusion.
This approach aligns with current practices in both the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs, which now emphasize wellness promotion and holistic health rather than only treating illness.
Behavioral Activation is one psychological strategy shown to improve well-being while reducing depression and anxiety symptoms by encouraging engagement in meaningful daily activities tailored to individual values across areas such as relationships, community involvement, recreation, spirituality, work or education, and physical/mental health.
Participants identify what matters most within each area—for example valuing family loyalty or lifelong learning—and then plan specific activities aligned with those values using SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, time-bound) criteria. These plans are incorporated into daily routines so individuals can maintain engagement even when obstacles arise.
Problem-solving is another core skill taught in Behavioral Activation programs; it draws on methods familiar from military planning but adapts them for personal use during civilian transition.
As previously announced: “RTI was selected by the Department of Defense to develop and pilot a program to promote mental health and thereby reduce suicide risk for new veterans.” According to RTI International: “In this study, new veterans will receive a Behavioral Activation-based program called Transition Health and Resilience through Valued Experiences (THRiVE), delivered virtually to small cohorts by a trained veteran peer facilitator.” The organization further states: “The objective of adapting Behavioral Activation for the military transition is to empower and equip new veterans with psychosocial transition skills before they need to use them.”
RTI notes: “This project is one of many RTI-led endeavors to reduce harmful behaviors in military populations, incorporate peers into preventative behavioral health interventions, and address unique needs of communities at elevated risk for suicide.” Results from the THRiVE study are expected in Spring 2027.
The THRiVE pilot study is administered by the U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity at Fort Detrick under Award No. HT9425-24-1-0947 with $848,248 in funding through the Traumatic Brain Injury and Psychological Health Research Program supported by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those endorsed by these entities.
