Web-based training to treat PTSD and substance use together 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-11458134 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A web-based training resource helps VA clinicians learn how to provide integrated treatment for Veterans with both PTSD and substance use disorders.
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 | 2027 |
| NIH project number | 5I01HX003483-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11458134 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are Veterans with PTSD and co-occurring SUD whose care would benefit from integrated COPE treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have PTSD/SUD or who are not treated within VA systems may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project creates an online training program for clinicians to deliver a proven, trauma-focused treatment (COPE) to Veterans with co-occurring PTSD and SUD. It translates evidence from randomized trials into a scalable web platform so providers can learn and apply COPE without costly in-person workshops. The training aims to increase the number of clinicians who can offer this effective, integrated care to Veterans in VA settings. The effort partners with VA facilities to ensure the course fits real-world clinical workflows and needs of staff. If successful, it could shorten the training time and improve access to high-quality, integrated treatment for Veterans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Clinicians will gain accessible training to provide effective, integrated PTSD/SUD care to Veterans, potentially improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Prior trials show COPE reduces PTSD symptoms and substance use; this project focuses on scalable provider training rather than new clinical results.
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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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.
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Genes linking PTSD and substance use problems in diverse communities
Researchers are looking at how genetic factors connect PTSD with alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, and opioid problems in people from diverse ancestry groups.
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.