A home-based STEP-Home workshop to help recently transitioning Veterans stay connected and safer
Official title: A mixed methods pilot trial of the STEP-Home workshop to improve reintegration and reduce suicide risk for recently transitioned Veterans
Funded at VA Boston Health Care System · NIH-11423381 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A pilot program using video-based STEP-Home workshops to help recently transitioning Veterans reintegrate, stay engaged with care, and reduce suicide risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Boston Health Care System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2023 |
| Project end | September 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2027 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX004535-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11423381 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Recently transitioned Veterans who may be resistant to traditional mental health treatment and have high clinical comorbidity.
✕Less likely to help
Veterans who are not transitioning recently or who are already engaged in comprehensive psychiatric treatment with stable functioning may see limited benefit.
What this research studies
This project adapts a proven video rehabilitation workshop for Veterans during the first year after leaving active duty. It aims to improve reintegration, social support, and functioning by delivering the STEP-Home program through remote sessions. The approach focuses on engaging Veterans who may not seek traditional mental health care by offering non-clinical, skills-based support that complements existing VA services. The study will refine and tailor the workshop specifically for recently transitioning Veterans to address suicide prevention needs. The pilot will collect feedback and feasibility data to inform larger trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could increase connection to care, improve daily functioning, and reduce suicide risk during a critical transition period for Veterans.
How similar studies have gone: Past STEP-Home work has shown promise in improving engagement and functioning in other populations, but adapting it for recently transitioning Veterans is novel and feasibility is being tested.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Boston Health Care System
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fortier, Catherine Brawn — VA Boston Health Care System
- Study coordinator: Fortier, Catherine Brawn
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.