Britton PC, Conner KR, Maisto SA.
J Clin Psychol. 2012 Sep;68(9):961-71.

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this open trial was to test the acceptability of motivational interviewing to address suicidal ideation (MI-SI) for psychiatrically hospitalized veterans with suicidal ideation, estimate its pre-post effect size on the severity of suicidal ideation, and examine the rate of treatment engagement after discharge. METHODS: Participants received a screening assessment, baseline assessment, one or two MI-SI sessions, posttreatment assessment, and 60-day follow-up assessment. Thirteen veterans were enrolled, 9 (70%) completed both MI-SI sessions and the posttreatment assessment, and 11 (85%) completed the follow-up assessment.RESULTS: Participants found MI-SI to be acceptable. They experienced large reductions in the severity of suicidal ideation at posttreatment and follow-up. In the 2 months following discharge, 73% of participants completed two or more mental health or substance abuse treatment sessions each month. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary findings suggest that MI-SI has potential to reduce risk for suicide in psychiatrically hospitalized veterans and that a more rigorous trial is needed.