Online training for treating PTSD and substance use disorders in veterans
Official title: Web-Based Provider Training for Concurrent Treatment of PTSD and Substance Use Disorders using Prolonged Exposure (COPEWeb)
Funded at Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center · NIH-10950284 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating an easy-to-use online training program for healthcare providers to help them better support veterans dealing with both PTSD and substance use issues, so they can get the care they need.
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 start | October 1, 2023 |
| Project end | September 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01HX003483-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10950284 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans who are experiencing both PTSD and substance use disorders and are seeking integrated treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have PTSD or substance use disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a web-based training program for healthcare providers to effectively treat veterans suffering from both PTSD and substance use disorders. The program, known as COPE, utilizes an evidence-based approach called Prolonged Exposure therapy, which has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of both conditions. By providing accessible online training, the project aims to equip more clinicians with the necessary skills to deliver integrated treatment, addressing the critical shortage of trained providers in this area. The initiative is designed to meet the high demand for such training among VA providers, ensuring that veterans receive the best possible care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the quality of care for veterans with co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorders by increasing the number of trained providers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown success with similar integrated treatment approaches, indicating a strong potential for this web-based training to be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
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
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Written Exposure Therapy for Veterans with PTSD and Substance Use Disorder (brief trauma treatment)
A brief trauma-focused therapy called Written Exposure Therapy is being studied to help veterans who have both PTSD and substance use disorders.
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Web-based training to treat PTSD and substance use together in Veterans
A web-based training resource helps VA clinicians learn how to provide integrated treatment for Veterans with both PTSD and substance use disorders.
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Genetics of PTSD and Substance Use in Diverse Populations
This grant investigates how genes influence PTSD and substance use disorders in diverse groups to improve prevention and treatment.
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Using Written Exposure Therapy to help Veterans with PTSD and Substance Use Disorders
This study is looking at how helpful Written Exposure Therapy can be for Veterans dealing with both PTSD and substance use issues, especially for those in rural areas who might not have easy access to care, to see if it can make their treatment better and improve their quality of life.
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Online training for clinicians to deliver COPE, a combined PTSD and substance-use therapy
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.
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Five-session written therapy for veterans with PTSD and substance use problems
This project uses a five-session written exposure therapy to help veterans with PTSD and substance use disorders reduce trauma symptoms and stay engaged in addiction care.
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.