Combining therapies to help Veterans with PTSD and suicidal thoughts
Official title: A Hybrid Effectiveness-Implementation Trial of Treatments for Veterans with PTSD at Elevated Acute Risk for Suicide
Funded at VA Puget Sound Healthcare System · NIH-10907444 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help Veterans with PTSD who are at risk for suicide by testing a combination of two therapies to see if they work better than the usual care, and it aims to find out how well these therapies can be used in Veterans Affairs hospitals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Puget Sound Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01HX003676-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10907444 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Veterans diagnosed with PTSD who are currently experiencing elevated acute risk for suicide.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have PTSD or are not at risk for suicide may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new treatment approach for Veterans suffering from PTSD who are at high risk for suicide. It aims to compare the effectiveness of a combined therapy that includes Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Prolonged Exposure therapy against the current standard care. The study will also explore how well these therapies can be implemented within the Veterans Affairs healthcare system. By focusing on a population that has historically been excluded from treatment trials, this research seeks to provide evidence-based guidance for clinicians.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for Veterans with PTSD, significantly reducing their risk of suicide.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using combined therapy approaches for PTSD, but this specific combination for high-risk individuals is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Puget Sound Healthcare System
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harned, Melanie — VA Puget Sound Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Harned, Melanie
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Comparing two PTSD treatments for Veterans at high suicide risk
This project compares a combined Dialectical Behavior Therapy plus Prolonged Exposure approach to standard Prolonged Exposure with suicide risk management for Veterans with PTSD who are at high immediate risk of suicide.
-
Evaluating a new therapy for individuals with PTSD and borderline personality disorder.
This study is testing a new therapy that combines talking therapy for PTSD with special support for managing suicide risk, designed for people who have both PTSD and borderline personality disorder, to see if it helps them feel better in everyday life.
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Understanding Invisible Suicide Risks in Youth: A National Study in Guyana
A nationwide study in Guyana aims to learn about hidden factors that contribute to suicide risk among young people so we can prevent tragedy.
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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.
-
Mobile safety planning for at-risk young adults
A digital, text-based safety planning program for young adults (ages 18–24) to help prevent suicide and stay connected to support.
-
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.
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.