Exploring how Veterans access mental health care after screening positive for PTSD

Understanding Pathways to Care for Veterans who Screen Positive for PTSD: The PTSD Access To Healthcare (PATH) Study

NIH-funded research VA Boston Health Care System · NIH-10989871

This study looks at how Veterans find and get mental health care after being screened for PTSD in VA clinics, aiming to understand what helps or hinders them in getting the support they need, so we can make it easier for them to access treatment.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVA Boston Health Care System NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10989871 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the pathways that Veterans take to access mental health care after screening positive for PTSD in VA primary care clinics. It aims to identify the factors that influence whether Veterans receive timely treatment and where they may be lost in the process. By mapping these access pathways and examining individual and contextual factors, the study seeks to provide insights that can improve access to care for Veterans. The findings will lead to actionable guidance for healthcare providers to better connect Veterans with necessary mental health services.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are Veterans who have screened positive for PTSD in VA primary care settings.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have PTSD or who are not Veterans may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve access to mental health care for Veterans suffering from PTSD.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding patient pathways can lead to improved access to care, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.