Comparative effectiveness of two versions of a caring contacts intervention in healthcare providers, staff, and patients for reducing loneliness and mental distress: A randomized controlled trial

•Evidence supports use of Caring Contacts to reduce suicidal ideation and behavior.•Important questions remain regarding how to deliver the intervention.•Introducing Caring Contacts recipients to the sender may not be necessary.•Outcomes were similar whether participants knew the person texting them or not.•Eliminating introductions could reduce the cost and complexity of the intervention.