Collaboration between mental health clinicians and chaplains to help veterans with moral injury
Official title: Mental Health Clinician/Chaplain Collaboration (MC3): A Pilot Study
Funded at Central Arkansas Veterans Hlthcare Sys · NIH-10753048 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help veterans who are struggling with feelings of guilt and shame by bringing together mental health professionals and chaplains to support their healing and reintegration into the community.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Central Arkansas Veterans Hlthcare Sys NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (North Little Rock, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| NIH project number | 1I21HX003715-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10753048 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans experiencing moral injury symptoms, particularly those with comorbid PTSD or substance use disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a military background or those not experiencing moral injury symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new approach to support veterans suffering from moral injury, which often includes feelings of guilt and shame. The Mental Health Clinician/Chaplain Collaboration (MC3) involves VA chaplains working alongside mental health professionals to facilitate forgiveness and community reintegration for veterans. By integrating mental health services with spiritual care, the study aims to provide a holistic intervention that addresses both psychological and emotional needs. The program is designed to improve the overall well-being of veterans, particularly those dealing with PTSD and substance use disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide veterans with a comprehensive intervention that effectively addresses moral injury symptoms and reduces suicide risk.
How similar studies have gone: While the integration of chaplaincy and mental health services is a novel approach, similar collaborative models have shown promise in improving mental health outcomes in other populations.
Where this research is happening
-
Central Arkansas Veterans Hlthcare Sys
North Little Rock, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pyne, Jeffrey M. — Central Arkansas Veterans Hlthcare Sys
- Study coordinator: Pyne, Jeffrey M.
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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.