NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

RECLAIM: A one-day ACT program to help veterans with inflammatory bowel disease and mental health challenges

Official title: Using Acceptance and Commitment Training to Promote Rehabilitation and Engagement in Values-Centered Living in Veterans Adapting to Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Mental Health Challenges (RECLAIM)

Funded at Michael E Debakey VA Medical Center · NIH-11349443 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A quick, practical ACT-based program delivered in GI clinics to help veterans with IBD manage symptoms and improve mood and quality of life.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMichael E Debakey VA Medical Center
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2026
Project endAugust 31, 2031
Funding year2026
NIH project number1IK2RD000689-01A2
Project IDNIH-11349443 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Veterans with inflammatory bowel disease who also have depressive, anxiety, or trauma-related disorders and are seen in GI clinics.

Less likely to help

Patients without significant mental health symptoms or not receiving GI care may see limited or no benefit.

What this research studies

This project adapts a one-day Acceptance and Commitment Therapy workshop for veterans who have both inflammatory bowel disease and mental health challenges. It aims to fit into routine GI visits, making evidence-based psychosocial care more accessible. If successful, participants may experience better psychosocial functioning and overall well-being as they navigate their IBD and mental health needs.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, veterans could experience improved quality of life and better psychosocial functioning through integrated care.

How similar studies have gone: Previous one-day ACT workshops have shown improvements in access to care and engagement for various chronic conditions, though this exact integrated GI-mental health approach is novel.

Where this research is happening

  • Michael E Debakey VA Medical Center
    Houston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Shanahan, Mackenzie — Michael E Debakey VA Medical Center
  • Study coordinator: Shanahan, Mackenzie

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.