Recovery-focused group therapy for Veteran men with military sexual trauma
Official title: Recovery-oriented group therapy for Veteran men with military sexual trauma
Funded at VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System · NIH-11258417 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A VA study tests a group therapy tailored for men who experienced military sexual trauma to help reduce trauma symptoms and improve engagement in care.
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 | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2027 |
| NIH project number | 5IK2HX003783-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11258417 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Male veterans with a history of military sexual trauma who may benefit from gender-tailored group therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Men without MST history or who do not prefer group-based therapy may see little or no benefit.
What this research studies
This project adapts a gender-tailored group therapy for men with a history of military sexual trauma (MST) to see if it improves engagement in mental health care and reduces symptoms like PTSD and depression. Researchers will refine and test the Men’s MST Group (MMG) using a structured planning framework to ensure it fits veterans’ needs. The study combines established therapy approaches with models that emphasize access, acceptance, and ongoing participation in treatment. By focusing on barriers such as stigma and distrust, the trial seeks to promote sustained recovery and healthier coping. Results could inform VA programs on providing more effective, veteran-centered care for MST-affected men.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could increase treatment engagement and reduce MST-related symptoms among veteran men.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work with MMG showed promise in engaging veterans and reducing trauma symptoms, supporting further refinement and testing.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yahalom, Jonathan — VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Yahalom, Jonathan
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.