Background: In 2009, a novel clinical demonstration project entitled Suicide Assessment and Follow-up Engagement: Veteran Emergency Treatment (SAFE VET) was initiated as a potential standard of care for suicidal Veterans who receive treatment at Veterans Affairs (VA) emergency departments (ED). SAFE VET is designed to attenuate suicide risk by helping Veterans manage suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and adhere to prescribed clinical care; thereby promoting resiliency and increased capacity to cope with suicidal states.