Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Phase 2 Interventional Ages 18 to 65

Online cognitive behavioral therapy for preventing suicide and treating depression

Official title: Implementing Computerized Cognitive Behavioral Therapies for Suicide Prevention and Depression Among At-Risk Rural and Urban Veterans

Run by VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System · NCT06375083 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing two online therapy courses for veterans to see if they can help with depression and suicidal thoughts.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
Enrollment472 (estimated)
SponsorVA Eastern Colorado Health Care System
Federal
Locations1 site (Aurora, Colorado)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMarch 20, 2024
Main results expectedAugust 30, 2026
Study endsAugust 30, 2026
Registry record updatedFebruary 19, 2026
Trial IDNCT06375083 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are veterans aged 18 to 65 who have experienced recent suicidal ideation and have a history of suicidal behavior.

Probably not a fit

Patients with active substance use disorders, severe cognitive impairment, or those currently participating in other mental health interventions 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 evaluate the effectiveness of two self-guided online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) courses designed for veterans. One course focuses on managing symptoms of depression, while the other addresses suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The research will assess the safety, feasibility, and acceptability of these computerized CBT interventions, which have shown promise in previous studies. If successful, these courses could be made available at no cost to veterans, enhancing mental health support.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide veterans with accessible and effective mental health resources to reduce suicidal thoughts and manage depression.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have indicated that computerized cognitive behavioral therapy can be as effective as traditional therapy, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Cohort A - cCBT-SP Program

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Veterans between the ages of 18 and 65
2. Currently living in Colorado, New York, Montana, Texas, or Utah who have accessed VA Care
3. Recent suicidal ideation (past month; C-SSRS Screener -Yes to Item 2) and history of lifetime suicidal behavior (lifetime, C-SSRS Screener - Yes to Item 6)
4. Reliable access to a computer/tablet and the internet
5. Ability to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Active alcohol or substance use disorder, excluding Cannabis dependence, as determined by screening or electronic medical record
2. Identification of active psychosis or bipolar disorder, as determined via screening or electronic medical record
3. Severe cognitive impairment, as determined by screening or electronic medical record
4. Currently enrolled in/participating in another mental health-related intervention research study

Cohort B - cCBT-D Program

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Veterans between the ages of 18 and 65
2. Currently living in Colorado, New York, Montana, Texas, or Utah who have accessed VA care
3. Mild to moderate depressive symptoms, as determined by the PHQ-9, (score of 5-14)
4. Reliable access to a computer/tablet and the internet
5. Ability to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. PHQ-9 score below 4 or 15 and above
2. Active alcohol or substance use disorder, excluding Cannabis dependence, as determined by screening or electronic medical record
3. Identification of active psychosis or bipolar disorder, as determined via screening or electronic medical record
4. Severe cognitive impairment, as determined by screening or electronic medical record
5. Currently enrolled in/participating in other intervention research study

Where it's running

  • Eastern Colorado Health Care System
    Aurora, Colorado, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Lisa A Brenner, PhD — VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System
  • Study coordinator: Kelly A Stearns-Yoder, MA
  • Email: kelly.stearns@va.gov
  • Phone: 720-723-6477

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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  • Examining brain connectivity in suicidal opioid users

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  • Identifying biomarkers for depression and suicide in adolescents

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    Recruiting at 2 sites University of Alabama at Birmingham · Birmingham, Alabama and 1 other locations · NCT05437588

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.