Chaplains CARE Project

Chaplains-CARE Training Program: Enhancing Skills in Suicide Intervention Practices and Care

Principle Investigator: Marjan G. Holloway, Ph.D.

Co-Investigator: Su Yeon Lee-Tauler, Ph.D.

Funded By: The Defense Suicide Prevention Office (DSPO)

History

Military chaplains are uniquely positioned as "spiritual first responders" embedded within units to provide hope and meaning during times of distress. Because they offer 100% absolute confidentiality with no exceptions for suicide-related disclosures, they are sought out professionals particularly for those who fear career repercussions.

The Chaplains-CARE training program was conceptualized to bridge the gap between traditional theological training and evidence-based suicide prevention protocols. Grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles—which have been shown to reduce subsequent suicide attempts by approximately 50%—it equips chaplains with a "toolbox" for suicide-focused counseling.

Purpose

The primary goal of Chaplains-CARE is to equip military chaplains with core suicide intervention competencies grounded upon CBT Principles to act as effective spiritual first responders.

Current Status:

The project is currently active and conducting a cost effectiveness trial to compare training delivery formats. The study team is evaluating the "added value" of remote simulation—which uses professional actors to play fictional service members—compared to asynchronous online didactics only. Data collection is ongoing to measure both self-reported suicide intervention knowledge, skills, and attitudes and blind-rated competency through video-recorded encounters.

Military Relevance

By providing chaplains with specialized skills to "walk further" with a service member through a suicidal experience, the program strengthens the military's broader crisis support systems. Ultimately, these efforts aim to save lives by ensuring early, evidence-based intervention within unit lines.

Scholarly Dissemination:

  • Suicide Care, Prevention, and Research Initiative. (2023). Chaplains-CARE program in military suicide prevention: Final report. Bethesda, MD: Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.

  • Lee-Tauler, S. Y., Grammer, J., LaCroix, J. M., Walsh, A. K., Clark, S. E., Holloway, K. J., Sundararaman, R., Carter, K. M., Crouterfield, B., Hazlett, G. R., Hess, R. M., Miyahara, J. M., Varsogea, C. E., Whalen, C., & Ghahramanlou-Holloway, M. (2023). Pilot evaluation of the online ‘Chaplains-CARE’ program: Enhancing skills for United States military suicide intervention practices and care. Journal of Religion and Health, 62(6), 3856–3873 .https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-023-01882-9

Relevant Products And Resources

Chaplains-CARE Online Course

An interactive, video-based training platform accessible anywhere (projected to be available in Military OneSource by the end of 2026).

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In-Person and Remote Simulation-Based Training

Intensive 5-day programs featuring real-time feedback from supervisors and mental health providers.

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