Improving rehabilitation for veterans with serious mental illness

Enhancing Rehabilitation for Veterans With Serious Mental Illness Via Biomarker-Informed Cognitive Training

Not applicable Interventional VA Office of Research and Development · NCT06586164

This study is testing a new computer program to help veterans with serious mental illnesses improve their thinking and daily life skills.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 83 Years
SexAll
SponsorVA Office of Research and Development Federal
Locations1 site (San Diego, California)
Trial IDNCT06586164 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to enhance therapeutic interventions for veterans suffering from serious mental illnesses (SMI) by introducing Targeted Cognitive Training (TCT). TCT is a computerized program designed to improve sensory information processing, which can lead to better cognitive and psychosocial functioning. The study will utilize EEG biomarkers to identify veterans who are most likely to benefit from this treatment, ensuring a tailored approach to rehabilitation. By focusing on veterans receiving care in VA Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Centers, the study seeks to address the cognitive impairments that significantly impact their daily lives.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are veterans aged 18 to 75 with serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or PTSD who are receiving treatment at VA Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Centers.

Not a fit: Patients with an estimated premorbid IQ below 70 or those with active substance use may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve cognitive functioning and quality of life for veterans with serious mental illnesses.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using cognitive training approaches for similar populations, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Veterans with SMI (e.g., schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, PTSD) being treated at PRRCs or co-located rehabilitative services.
* Age 18 and 83 years.
* Fluency in spoken and written English.
* Ability to detect 1000 Hz tones binaurally at a 40-dB sound pressure level.
* Ability to see with an acuity of 20/40 with both eyes tested together (corrected if applicable) by a standard printed Snellen eye chart reading card.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Estimated premorbid IQ below 70, as estimated via the WRAT-4 Reading subtest.
* Active substance use other than cannabis within the last 30 days as determined by CPRS review, self- report, or positive urine drug screen (obtained as part of the screening process).
* History of significant medical or neurological illness.
* Inability to comprehend or provide informed consent.

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 SchizophreniaPsychosisSerious Mental IllnessPTSDSchizoaffective DisorderBipolar Disorderschizophreniapsychosis
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.