Advertising to help Veterans learn about proven PTSD therapies
Direct to consumer marketing to engage Veterans in evidence-based psychotherapies for PTSD
This project uses targeted ads to encourage Veterans with PTSD to try proven psychotherapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michael E Debakey VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11371592 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be shown different kinds of ads that explain what evidence-based PTSD therapies are and what to expect in treatment. The team will compare which messages lead Veterans to contact the VA, schedule appointments, and actually begin therapy instead of just saying they might. Participation may include brief surveys about the ads and tracking of appointment scheduling and therapy attendance through VA records. The effort is aimed at Veterans who receive care in the VA system and uses real-world measures of treatment initiation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Veterans with PTSD who receive care in the VA system and are willing to view outreach materials and share brief survey responses.
Not a fit: People who are not Veterans, do not have PTSD, or who cannot access VA mental health services are unlikely to benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, more Veterans with PTSD may learn about and start effective psychotherapies, which could reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning.
How similar studies have performed: Direct-to-consumer ads have driven demand for medications, but prior mental-health advertising studies mostly measured intentions rather than actual therapy-seeking, so this approach is promising but partly untested for changing real treatment behavior.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Michael E Debakey VA Medical Center — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hundt, Natalie E — Michael E Debakey VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Hundt, Natalie E
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 below.