Adaptive, personalized PTSD care for veterans
Official title: Changing the Treatment Course: Clinical Trial of Sequenced Interventions to Optimize Treatment for Veterans With PTSD
Run by The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio · NCT07176273 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This program will try different therapy sequences plus optional text-message homework reminders to see if switching treatments or sending prompts helps veterans with PTSD who aren't improving or are missing between-session homework.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 302 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (Augusta, Georgia and 3 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 12, 2025 |
| Main results expected | May 22, 2028 |
| Study ends | August 14, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | December 19, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07176273 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Veterans aged 18 or older who are eligible for PE or CPT at a participating VA clinic, have a PCL-5 score of 31 or higher related to a Criterion A trauma, own a mobile device for the therapy app, and have not received PE or CPT in the past 12 months are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with acute suicide risk requiring immediate intervention, need for detoxification, unmanaged psychosis or bipolar disorder, severe cognitive impairment that limits participation, or those without a compatible mobile device are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional project uses a Hybrid Experimental Design with multiple, sequential randomizations to combine therapist-delivered and digital interventions on short and long timescales. Participants receive modular versions of Cognitive Processing Therapy or Prolonged Exposure, with options for stepped-down care and digital supports including app companions and text prompts. The design tests different sequences and combinations to identify which approaches improve response and homework completion for veterans who do not respond to initial PTSD treatment. Treatment is delivered within routine VA care settings across several sites to maximize real-world relevance and support implementable, personalized treatment rules.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could help veterans get the right PTSD therapy sooner and improve symptoms by tailoring treatment pathways and adding simple digital reminders to boost homework completion.
How similar studies have gone: CPT and PE are established first-line PTSD treatments and some prior work suggests reminders can improve homework adherence, but combining modular PE/CPT with multi-stage adaptive sequencing and digital prompts is a relatively novel approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Veterans eligible for PE and CPT at the participating PTSD treatment-providing clinic who are 2. At least 18 years or older 3. Score ≥ 31 on the PCL-5 secondary to a Criterion A traumatic event 4. Own a mobile device that can be used for the therapy companion mobile app (Prolonged Exposure (PE) coach or Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) coach). Exclusion Criteria: 1. Acute suicide risk requiring clinical intervention 2. Need for detoxification 3. Unmanaged psychosis or bipolar disorder 4. Severe cognitive impairment that makes it unlikely that participants can adhere to the study regimen (as evidenced by confusion, inability to track discussion or answer questions, or other clear and significant indicators of cognitive impairment) 5. Current or past 12-month engagement in PE or CPT.
Where it's running
-
Augusta VA
Augusta, Georgia, United States Recruiting -
Ann Arbor VA
Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States Recruiting -
Salt Lake City VA
Salt Lake City, Utah, United States Recruiting -
Battle Creek VA
Battle Creek, Michigan, United States Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Stefanie LoSavio, PhD — The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
- Study coordinator: Stefanie LoSavio, PhD
- Email: losavio@uthscsa.edu
- Phone: 210-562-6700
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Reboxetine plus Ritalin vs Dog-Assisted Therapy for PTSD
This study tests whether a drug combo of reboxetine and methylphenidate works better than dog-assisted therapy for people with PTSD.
-
Using retinal biomarkers to predict mental health treatment outcomes in PTSD
This study is testing if changes in eye signals can help predict how well veterans with PTSD will respond to a single dose of the medication sertraline.
-
Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD in Trauma Patients
This study is testing a short therapy called Brief Prolonged Exposure Therapy to see if it can help trauma patients avoid PTSD and improve their mental health after serious injuries.
-
Using art therapy to improve emotional well-being in military personnel with PTSD
This study tests whether art therapy can help military personnel with PTSD feel better emotionally and improve their mental health.
-
Using low-dose clonidine to treat PTSD in veterans
This study is testing if a low dose of clonidine can help veterans with PTSD feel better and improve their sleep and daily activities.
-
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Veterans With TBI and PCS
This study tests whether 40 HBOT sessions can change blood biomarkers in veterans with traumatic brain injury and persistent symptoms, and whether PTSD affects those biomarker changes.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.