A self-help program to help post-9/11 Veterans with depression or PTSD symptoms feel better and use care more effectively
Official title: A Self-Help Intervention to Improve Functioning, Symptoms, and Treatment Utilization among Non-Treatment Engaged Post 9/11 Veterans withDepression or PTSD Symptoms
Funded at Syracuse VA Medical Center · NIH-11244194 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A community-based self-help program helps post-9/11 Veterans with depression or PTSD symptoms gain coping skills and guidance to use recovery resources.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Syracuse VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Syracuse, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2026 |
| Project end | September 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 1I01RD000544-01A2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11244194 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Post-9/11 Veterans with symptoms of PTSD and/or major depressive disorder who are not currently in psychotherapy and are open to self-help approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Veterans already in ongoing mental health treatment or not interested in self-help approaches may see limited or no benefit.
What this research studies
This program offers a 6-week, two-handout per week self-help plan designed for Veterans who are not currently in psychotherapy. It provides practical coping skills and clear information about mental health services, whole-health resources, and informal supports to improve daily functioning. The approach emphasizes short, actionable steps that Veterans can use on their own and with optional clinician support. The goal is to reduce symptoms and help Veterans access care and resources that fit their lives. Participation would involve engaging with the weekly materials and tracking personal progress over the program period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, Veterans could experience fewer symptoms and better function while navigating and using mental health and support services more effectively.
How similar studies have gone: Self-help and guided online or printed programs have shown benefits for mental health symptoms, though effects on functioning in this specific population require further study.
Where this research is happening
-
Syracuse VA Medical Center
Syracuse, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shepardson, Robyn Leanne — Syracuse VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Shepardson, Robyn Leanne
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how PTSD affects self-control and brain function
Researchers are studying how PTSD changes the brain’s control over thoughts and actions, and how this might affect Veterans’ daily lives and responses to treatment.
-
Ketamine to boost fear extinction and memory on PTSD patients
A study testing whether ketamine can help people with PTSD better relearn and forget fear when given in a guided treatment plan.
-
Treating PTSD and opioid use disorder in residential care with Written Exposure Therapy (WEST)
A short, patient-friendly plan to adapt a proven PTSD therapy for people with opioid use disorder in residential treatment and test its practicality and impact.
-
Dynamic PTSD-Related Cognitive Risk in Aging WTC Responders
This project follows World Trade Center responders as they age to understand how PTSD symptoms relate to changes in thinking skills over time.
-
Identifying brain proteins linked to PTSD and alcohol use disorder
Researchers are studying brain proteins that may contribute to PTSD and alcohol use disorder in US veterans to find new ways to help people who struggle with both conditions.
-
Transdiagnostic Behavior Therapy for Veterans with Social Anxiety and PTSD Symptoms
A clinical trial tests whether a flexible brain-behavior therapy helps veterans with social anxiety and PTSD symptoms feel better and engage more in daily life.
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.