Improving access to mental health and substance use care for Veterans
Official title: HSR&D Research Career Scientist Award
Funded at Veterans Admin Palo Alto Health Care Sys · NIH-10898682 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for better ways to help Veterans, especially those who are homeless or in the criminal justice system, get the mental health and substance use treatment they need through mobile health tools and support from peers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Admin Palo Alto Health Care Sys NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Palo Alto, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2023 |
| Project end | September 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5IK6HX003763-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10898682 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Veterans who are experiencing homelessness or have been involved in the criminal justice system and are struggling with substance use or mental health disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have access to VA services or are not Veterans may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing and testing new ways to enhance access and engagement in mental health and substance use treatment for Veterans, particularly those who are homeless or involved in the criminal justice system. The program aims to create effective mobile health and peer-based interventions that can be implemented within the VA system. By collaborating with various teams and utilizing advanced research methodologies, the project seeks to identify the best strategies for reaching and helping these vulnerable populations. The ultimate goal is to improve treatment outcomes and reduce the need for high-cost services.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the mental health and substance use treatment outcomes for Veterans, leading to better overall health and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using mobile health and peer-based interventions to improve access to care for similar populations, indicating a potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Admin Palo Alto Health Care Sys
Palo Alto, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Blonigen, Daniel Michael — Veterans Admin Palo Alto Health Care Sys
- Study coordinator: Blonigen, Daniel Michael
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.