Helping Veterans with unemployment try a combined vocational program for better jobs
Official title: Evaluating the Efficacy of a Vocational Counseling Intervention to Improve Occupational Functioning and Employment Quality Among Veterans With Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders
Run by VA Office of Research and Development · NCT07097376 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A program that adds Purposeful Pathways to the standard Transitional Work model is being tested to see if it helps veterans with mental health and substance use issues find better, more stable employment.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 254 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 3 sites (Hines, Illinois and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | October 1, 2030 |
| Study ends | March 31, 2031 |
| Registry record updated | September 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07097376 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Veterans enrolled in VHA Transitional Work who are unemployed, intend to return to paid work within 3 years, have a psychiatric diagnosis, and are willing to participate in weekly counseling.
✕Probably not a fit
Participants not seeking employment within 12 months or with contraindications to weekly counseling may see no benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized trial compares two vocational approaches for veterans who are unemployed and have mental health or substance use disorders. Participants receive either Transitional Work alone or Transitional Work plus the Purposeful Pathways vocational counseling program. The study measures occupational functioning, quality of life, mental health symptoms, and substance use over 12 months across three VA sites. It also explores whether improvements in employment are linked to the program’s theoretical factors. Findings could show whether the augmented model improves long-term employment outcomes and well-being.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the combined program could help more veterans obtain quality employment and improve overall well-being.
How similar studies have gone: Past studies in vocational rehabilitation suggest that adding targeted counseling can improve employment outcomes, but results vary by population and setting.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * enrolled in VHA TW at one of the three VA recruitment sites * be unemployed * report interest/intention to return to paid work within the upcoming three years * presence of a psychiatric disorder as indicated by documented ICD-10 diagnosis (mental health disorder and/or substance use disorder) addressed in an encounter at VHA within the 24 months preceding study enrollment * willing to participate in weekly vocational counseling sessions Exclusion Criteria: * report a plan to remain unemployed during the upcoming 12 months * report plans to retire within the next 12 months * be currently retired * be a full-time student * enrolled in Supported Employment * experiencing significantly elevated mental health symptoms as indicated by a score greater than 26 on the Symptom Checklist-6 (SCL-648) * have a guardian or conservator
Where it's running
-
Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, IL
Hines, Illinois, United States Recruiting -
VA Bedford HealthCare System, Bedford, MA
Bedford, Massachusetts, United States Not yet recruiting -
VA North Texas Health Care System Dallas VA Medical Center, Dallas, TX
Dallas, Texas, United States Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Brian J Stevenson, PhD — VA Bedford HealthCare System, Bedford, MA
- Study coordinator: Brian J Stevenson, PhD
- Email: Brian.Stevenson4@va.gov
- Phone: (718) 687-3919
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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.