Behavioral health treatment for Veterans with concussion

Problem-Solving Training for Concussion (PST-Concussion): A Brief, Skills-Focused Intervention to Improve Functional Outcomes in Veterans With mTBI and Co-occurring Mental Health Symptoms

Not applicable Interventional VA Office of Research and Development · NCT05837676

This study is testing a new online problem-solving training for veterans with concussions to see if it helps improve their mental health and daily life compared to standard treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment134 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorVA Office of Research and Development Federal
Locations1 site (Buffalo, New York)
Trial IDNCT05837676 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of Problem-Solving Training for Concussion (PST-Concussion) in Veterans with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either PST-Concussion or standard treatment, with six telehealth sessions focusing on behavioral health. The study aims to assess changes in psychological distress, neurocognitive functioning, and overall quality of life through self-report and cognitive measures at various time points. The trial will also explore the practical impacts of the intervention on participants' daily functioning and well-being.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking Veterans enrolled in VHA care with a history of concussion and current psychological distress.

Not a fit: Patients with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury or major neurocognitive disorders, as well as those with acute suicidal ideation, are unlikely to benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve recovery experiences and quality of life for Veterans suffering from the effects of concussion.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited evidence on the specific approach of PST-Concussion, similar behavioral interventions have shown promise in addressing psychological distress in Veterans.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* English-speaking Veteran enrolled in VHA care;
* History of concussion (mild traumatic brain injury or mTBI);
* Current psychological distress;
* Subjective neurocognitive symptoms of \>= 3 months.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Moderate to severe TBI or other major neurocognitive disorder;
* Psychotic disorder (e.g., schizophrenia spectrum disorder, delusional disorder, bipolar or depressive disorder with psychotic features);
* Acute suicidal ideation;
* Inpatient psychiatric hospitalization within the past 12 months;
* Other illness/ condition that would preclude or predictably influence ability to engage in study visits, as determined by the study team.

Where this trial is running

Buffalo, New York

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Brain ConcussionMild Traumatic Brain InjuryConcussion, MildVeteransNeurobehavioral ManifestationsPsychological Distress
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.