Tuesday, Mar 25, 2025 • Brian Lopez : contact

With a significant shortage of mental health professionals across Texas—246 of the state’s 254 counties are designated as Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas by the Texas Department of State Health Services—veterans living in rural areas face heightened risks of suicide, particularly through the use of firearms.

Nationally, 73.5% of veteran suicides involve firearms, a highly lethal method, compared to just over half among non-veterans, said Donna Schuman, an assistant professor in the School of Social Work.

To tackle these challenges, researchers at The University of Texas at Arlington are developing a virtual reality (VR) training simulation to enhance rural health workers’ ability to care for veterans experiencing suicidal thoughts. This innovative program focuses on teaching health care providers how to talk to veterans about how they store items (like firearms, medications, or sharp objects) to reduce the risk of harm, especially in situations involving mental health crises or suicidal thoughts.

The project is led by Dr. Schuman, whose deep connection to the veteran community shapes her work. As a veteran spouse and the mother of a son who served as a combat medic, Schuman brings a personal perspective to the initiative. Her career before academia, including roles in behavioral health with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Army, further fuels her commitment.

“This is where my desire to do research in this area stems from,” she said. “It inspired me to explore non-traditional interventions like VR and focus on suicide prevention.”

Initial funding for the project came from the College of Nursing and Health Innovation’s (CONHI) Center for Rural Health and Nursing and UTA’s Center for Research on Teaching and Learning Excellence. In July, Schuman also secured a two-year mentored grant from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Her interdisciplinary Veteran Suicidality Assessment Virtual Reality (VET-SAVR) team includes researchers, graduate assistants and interns from social work, nursing, art and psychology. Among them are four graduate research assistants who are veterans themselves, lending authenticity and a veteran-centered lens to the training content and ensuring it resonates with the lived experiences of those it aims to serve.

Using Meta Quest 3 headsets, the VR simulation recreates real-life encounters with veterans contemplating suicide by lethal means, such as firearms. This immersive experience helps providers recognize warning signs, practice intervention strategies, and gain confidence in managing high-risk scenarios.

“Many rural health workers lack specialized training in veteran suicide prevention, yet they’re often the first point of contact for veterans in crisis,” Schuman explained. “By using immersive virtual reality, we can help them build the skills and confidence to handle these situations.”

SuLynn Mester, clinical assistant professor in CONHI’s Center for Rural Health and Nursing and a co-investigator on the project, sees this as more than just research.

“It’s a movement toward healing and understanding, ensuring that every veteran has local help when they need it,” she said.

The program is in its early stages, with plans to begin testing with rural Texas health care providers this fall. This initiative marks a vital step toward bridging the mental health care gap for veterans in underserved rural areas, empowering health workers with the tools to save lives. For Schuman, Mester, and their team, rural veterans are a population they have great affection for, and this project reflects their deep commitment to improving access to life-saving mental health care.

Suicide Prevention Resources:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988 for 24/7 access to trained counselors.
• Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 and press 1 to connect with qualified responders, including veterans.
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to communicate with a crisis counselor anytime.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline: Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) for free support and information.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline: Reach out to 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for confidential assistance with mental health or substance use disorders.

If you or someone you know is struggling, these resources are available to provide immediate support and assistance.