Dialectical Behavior Therapy for smoking cessation in high-risk veterans

Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Smoking Cessation in High Risk Veterans

Not applicable Interventional Veterans Medical Research Foundation · NCT06687577

This study is testing a new smoking cessation program that combines regular treatment with Dialectical Behavior Therapy to help high-risk veterans quit smoking and manage their emotions better.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment72 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorVeterans Medical Research Foundation Academic / other
Locations1 site (San Diego, California)
Trial IDNCT06687577 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial focuses on veterans who smoke and are at high risk for suicide, aiming to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel smoking cessation treatment that combines standard behavioral approaches with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). The study recognizes that individuals with emotional dysregulation, often excluded from cessation programs, may benefit from tailored interventions. Participants will be assigned to either receive usual cessation treatment or the DBT-enhanced approach, which aims to improve emotional regulation and support smoking cessation efforts. The trial seeks to address a significant health disparity among veterans by providing a targeted intervention for those with behavioral health challenges.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are veterans receiving VA healthcare who exhibit multiple indicators of elevated suicide risk.

Not a fit: Patients with cognitive impairment or those unable to attend virtual interventions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve smoking cessation rates and mental health outcomes for high-risk veterans.

How similar studies have performed: Preliminary empirical work suggests that DBT may be effective for smoking cessation, indicating potential success for this novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Veteran receiving VA healthcare
* multiple indicators of elevated suicide risk in 6 month period

Exclusion Criteria:

* cognitive impairment
* unable to attend virtual intervention

Where this trial is running

San Diego, California

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 Tobacco DependenceSuicidal
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.