Online training for clinicians to deliver COPE, a combined PTSD and substance-use therapy
Web-Based Provider Training for Concurrent Treatment of PTSD and Substance Use Disorders using Prolonged Exposure (COPEWeb)
This project offers web training to teach VA clinicians how to deliver COPE, a combined Prolonged Exposure therapy for Veterans with PTSD and substance use problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11222678 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you are a Veteran with PTSD and a substance use disorder, this project builds a web-based program to train VA clinicians to deliver COPE, an integrated trauma-focused therapy. The team will create standardized online modules, demonstrations, and supporting materials so clinicians can learn at their own pace. They will work closely with VA partners to make the training practical for real clinics and track clinician uptake and skill. The aim is to expand access to an evidence-based combined treatment without relying on costly in-person workshops.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Veterans receiving care in the VA who have both PTSD and a co-occurring substance use disorder and who want integrated trauma-focused treatment.
Not a fit: Patients who do not receive care within the VA system, those without both PTSD and SUD, or those whose providers do not complete the web training may not experience benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, more VA clinicians will be able to provide COPE, increasing Veterans' access to integrated PTSD and substance-use care.
How similar studies have performed: COPE has shown effectiveness in randomized trials for Veterans in reducing PTSD and substance use, while web-based provider training is a newer method for spreading that therapy.
Where this research is happening
Charleston, United States
- Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center — Charleston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Back, Sudie E. — Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Back, Sudie E.
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 below.