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Clinical trial No longer in our active list Interventional Ages 18 and up

Compassion meditation for veterans with PTSD

Official title: Multisite Feasibility of Compassion Meditation for Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Run by Veterans Medical Research Foundation · NCT04793698 · Data updated 2026-05-14

This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.

This study is testing whether compassion meditation can help veterans with PTSD feel better and cope with their symptoms.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment144 (estimated)
SponsorVeterans Medical Research Foundation
Academic / other
Locations3 sites (Bedford, Massachusetts and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04793698 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are veterans who have a primary complaint of PTSD or subsyndromal PTSD with associated distress and impairment.

Probably not a fit

Patients with serious suicidality, untreated substance use issues, or unstable serious mental illnesses may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This project explores the feasibility of implementing compassion meditation (CM) as a treatment for veterans suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study aims to assess the delivery of CM and a control intervention across diverse veteran populations in multiple locations. By optimizing outcome measurement methods, the researchers hope to lay the groundwork for a larger efficacy trial of CM for PTSD. Previous phases of research have shown promise in using CM to enhance recovery and coping among veterans.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide veterans with a novel and effective method to manage and reduce PTSD symptoms.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have indicated that compassion meditation can be beneficial for PTSD, but this specific multi-site approach is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

* Veteran status
* Able/willing to consent
* Primary complaint of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or subsyndromal PTSD with accompanying distress and impairment

Exclusion Criteria:

* Serious suicidality or homicidality
* Known, untreated substance use or dependence problem
* Untreated/unstable serious mental illness
* Cognitive impairment that would interfere with study activities
* Concurrent enrollment in other treatment for PTSD or other meditation-based practice

Where it's running

  • VA Finger Lakes HCS
    Canandaigua, New York, United States     Recruiting
  • Durham VA Health Care System
    Durham, North Carolina, United States     Recruiting
  • VA Bedford Healthcare System
    Bedford, Massachusetts, United States     Terminated

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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  • Self-Help CPT with WoVeN Peer Support for Women Veterans with PTSD

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  • Adaptive, personalized PTSD care for veterans

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  • Multi‑Mode Cognitive Processing Therapy for adults with PTSD

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    Recruiting at 2 sites VA Office of Research and Development · San Diego, California and 1 other locations · NCT07055633

  • Combined MDMA and psilocybin treatment for Veterans with PTSD

    This trial tests whether giving MDMA followed 30 minutes later by psilocybin can be safely used to reduce symptoms in military veterans with long-standing PTSD.

    Recruiting Phase 1 Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore, Maryland · NCT06989957

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
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Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.