Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Veteran Women with Alcohol Use Disorder

A Female-Specific Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Group for Alcohol Use Disorder in VA Primary Care Settings

Not applicable Interventional University of Massachusetts, Worcester · NCT06118346

This study is testing a special group therapy designed for female veterans with alcohol use problems to see if it helps them more than standard care.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment162 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of Massachusetts, Worcester Academic / other
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT06118346 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates a Female-Specific Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Group as a treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) among Veteran women. Over five years, 162 female Veterans will be enrolled at the VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, with participants randomly assigned to either the FS-CBT group or Usual Care. The study aims to assess treatment access and engagement through various follow-up assessments at 3, 9, and 15 months post-baseline. The approach is based on previous successful trials of FS-CBT for civilian women with AUD.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are women aged 18 or older, Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, who have a diagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder and have consumed alcohol within the last 90 days.

Not a fit: Patients who are acutely suicidal, have severe mental illness with acute symptoms, or are pregnant at the time of screening may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a tailored therapeutic approach that improves treatment outcomes for Veteran women with Alcohol Use Disorder.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success with similar approaches, particularly in civilian populations, indicating potential for effectiveness in this Veteran-specific context.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria:

* women aged 18 or older
* Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces
* Enrolled in healthcare at VA NYHHS;
* AUDIT-C ≥3 plus diagnosis of AUD and/or risky drinking (defined by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism as more than 3 drinks on any one day or more than 7 drinks per week) on more detailed screening
* consumed alcohol within 90 days prior to our study's initial eligibility screen.

Exclusion criteria:

* participant is acutely suicidal
* participant has acute psychotic or manic symptoms associated with severe mental illness
* participant is pregnant at initial eligibility screen.

Where this trial is running

New York, 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 Alcohol Use DisorderRisky Health Behavior
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.