Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (BCBT) for Suicidality in Military Populations

This article describes a set of “common elements” underlying a new approach to the clinical management and treatment of suicidality and provides a general description of brief cognitive behavioral therapy (BCBT) in treating suicidality in military populations. BCBT was developed and adapted to the unique treatment environment of a military setting, one that limits the ability to offer intensive and enduring psychotherapy. BCBT offers a unique alternative to traditional psychotherapy, to reduce suicidal behavior and improve the patient’s ability to more fully participate in longer-term therapy for targeted Axis I and II disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder and/or major depression.