Online cognitive behavioral therapy for preventing suicide and treating depression
Implementing Computerized Cognitive Behavioral Therapies for Suicide Prevention and Depression Among At-Risk Rural and Urban Veterans
This study is testing two online therapy courses for veterans to see if they can help with depression and suicidal thoughts.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 472 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Aurora, Colorado) |
| Trial ID | NCT06375083 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are veterans aged 18 to 65 who have experienced recent suicidal ideation and have a history of suicidal behavior.
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.
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 performed: Previous studies have indicated that computerized cognitive behavioral therapy can be as effective as traditional therapy, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Aurora, Colorado
- 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
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.