How peer support groups help veterans with serious mental illness connect socially
Official title: Impact of Veteran Voices & Visions Peer Support Groups on Social Integration for Veterans with SMI/Psychosis
Funded at VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System · NIH-11178013 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how well the 'Veteran Voices and Visions' peer support groups help veterans with serious mental health issues feel more connected and less alone by sharing their experiences in a friendly, supportive online setting.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2022 |
| Project end | September 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I21RX004376-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11178013 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans diagnosed with serious mental illness, particularly those experiencing psychosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a diagnosis of serious mental illness or those who are not veterans may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of the 'Veteran Voices and Visions' peer support groups in improving social integration for veterans suffering from serious mental illness (SMI) and psychosis. The program is designed to provide a supportive environment where veterans can share their experiences and challenges related to their mental health. Co-facilitated by mental health clinicians and peer specialists, these virtual groups aim to foster community and reduce feelings of isolation among participants. By utilizing a proven community-based support model, the research seeks to enhance the social functioning and overall well-being of veterans with SMI.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the social integration and quality of life for veterans with serious mental illness.
How similar studies have gone: Similar peer support approaches have shown success in various international settings, indicating potential for positive outcomes in this research.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kalofonos, Ippolytos Andreas — VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Kalofonos, Ippolytos Andreas
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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.