Brief problem-solving therapy to help veterans recover after concussion
Official title: Problem-Solving Training for Concussion (PST-Concussion): A Brief, Skills-Focused Intervention to Improve Functional Outcomes in Veterans with mTBI and Co-occurring Mental Health Symptoms
Funded at VA Western New York Healthcare System · NIH-11220690 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A short, easy-to-access problem-solving program to help veterans with concussion plus mental health symptoms improve thinking, mood, and daily functioning.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Western New York Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Buffalo, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2023 |
| Project end | September 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX004778-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11220690 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Veterans with a history of mild TBI/concussion who are experiencing ongoing concentration, mood, or functional difficulties and receive care in VA primary care settings.
✕Less likely to help
People with moderate-to-severe TBI, unstable serious psychiatric conditions, or those needing intensive specialty neurorehabilitation or inpatient care are unlikely to benefit from this brief primary-care intervention.
What this research studies
This program teaches practical problem-solving and coping skills in a few brief sessions delivered in primary care so it’s easier to access. It was adapted specifically for veterans with mild traumatic brain injury (concussion) who also have anxiety, depression, or chronic pain that make recovery harder. The approach uses cognitive-behavioral techniques focused on real-life problems like returning to work, managing attention problems, and daily tasks. The team built on earlier pilot work to test whether this brief format can reduce symptoms and improve everyday functioning.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could help veterans get back to work and everyday activities sooner by reducing symptoms and improving coping skills after concussion.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies show mental health treatments can improve neurobehavioral functioning after mTBI, and early pilot work with this PST-Concussion approach is promising though its primary-care delivery is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Western New York Healthcare System
Buffalo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: King, Paul R. — VA Western New York Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: King, Paul R.
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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.