Evaluating treatments for suicidal veterans with PTSD
Official title: A Hybrid Effectiveness-Implementation Trial of Treatments for Veterans With PTSD at Elevated Acute Risk for Suicide
Run by VA Office of Research and Development · NCT05974631 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new combined therapy for veterans with PTSD who are at risk of suicide to see if it works better than the usual treatment they currently receive.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 125 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 4 sites (Minneapolis, Minnesota and 3 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 8, 2024 |
| Main results expected | April 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | August 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | July 16, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05974631 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are Veterans aged 18 and older who have PTSD, recent self-directed violence, current suicidal ideation, and emotion dysregulation.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are unable to maintain safety independently or have recently received sufficient doses of DBT or PE 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 study aims to address the treatment gap for Veterans with PTSD who are at high risk for suicide. It will compare the effectiveness of a combined treatment approach using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and the DBT Prolonged Exposure protocol against the current standard care of Prolonged Exposure therapy with suicide risk management. The study will also explore the implementation challenges of these treatments within Veterans Affairs (VA) settings. By focusing on this high-risk population, the research seeks to provide evidence-based guidance for clinicians.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment options and reduced suicide risk for Veterans suffering from PTSD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in combining DBT with PTSD treatments, but this specific approach is novel and aims to fill a critical gap in treatment for high-risk Veterans.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * PTSD * Recent and repeated self-directed violence * Current suicidal ideation * Emotion dysregulation * Veteran eligible for VHA mental health care at participating site * Willing to participate in all study activities Exclusion Criteria: * Unable to maintain safety independently * Currently engaged in and/or recent (past year) history of receiving a sufficient dose of DBT or PE * Plan to move away or be unavailable for \>4 weeks in the next 18 months * Unable to sufficiently comprehend study procedures due to lack of English proficiency or moderate to severe cognitive impairment
Where it's running
-
Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States Recruiting -
Durham VA Medical Center, Durham, NC
Durham, North Carolina, United States Recruiting -
South Texas Health Care System, San Antonio, TX
San Antonio, Texas, United States Recruiting -
VA Puget Sound Health Care System Seattle Division, Seattle, WA
Seattle, Washington, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Melanie S Harned, PhD — VA Puget Sound Health Care System Seattle Division, Seattle, WA
- Study coordinator: Melanie S Harned, PhD
- Email: melanie.harned@va.gov
- Phone: (206) 277-3650
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.