Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Veterans Involved in the Justice System
Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Justice-Involved Veterans: A Randomized Clinical Trial
This study tests whether a special therapy program for veterans involved in the justice system can help them improve their mental health and reduce the chances of future legal troubles compared to regular group therapy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 2 sites (Aurora, Colorado and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05974553 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Justice-Involved Veterans (DBT-J), a specialized program aimed at addressing the mental health, substance use, and legal needs of Veterans with criminal justice involvement. The trial compares DBT-J to supportive group therapy to determine which approach better reduces the risk of future criminal behavior and enhances psychosocial functioning. Previous studies have shown that DBT-J is feasible and acceptable, but this trial seeks to establish its efficacy more definitively. The program is designed to tackle the unique challenges faced by justice-involved Veterans, including heightened suicide risk and co-occurring mental health issues.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are Veterans aged 18 and older with a current or recent history of criminal justice involvement.
Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit from this study include those with limited English proficiency or those unable to tolerate a group therapy format.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly reduce criminal behavior and improve the overall mental health and social functioning of justice-involved Veterans.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated the feasibility and acceptability of DBT-J, suggesting potential for success, although this specific approach is still being rigorously tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Veteran aged 18+ * Able to provide consent * Current or recent history of criminal justice involvement, defined as * (a) criminal arrest, order of protection, or incarceration within two years prior to participation and/or * (b) supervision by probation or parole at the time of participation Exclusion Criteria: * Limited English proficiency * Inability to tolerate group therapy format * Enrollment in a concurrent clinical trial * Current or scheduled enrollment in a DBT- or RNR-based program * Prior participation in DBT-J program
Where this trial is running
Aurora, Colorado and 1 other locations
- Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, CO — Aurora, Colorado, United States (Recruiting)
- James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY — The Bronx, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Emily R Edwards, PhD — James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Emily R Edwards, PhD
- Email: emily.edwards5@va.gov
- Phone: (718) 584-9000
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.