Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD in Veterans with Substance Use Issues
Clinical Effectiveness and Implementation of Massed Prolonged Exposure for PTSD Among Veterans in Intensive Outpatient Substance Use Treatment (MPE)
This study is testing if more frequent therapy sessions can help veterans with PTSD and substance use problems feel better compared to regular weekly sessions.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Veterans Medical Research Foundation Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (San Diego, California and 3 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06296186 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Massed Prolonged Exposure Therapy (M-PE) for veterans suffering from PTSD and substance use disorders. Participants will receive either multiple therapy sessions per week or weekly sessions while enrolled in intensive outpatient substance use treatment. The study seeks to determine if the massed format improves PTSD symptoms and reduces substance use compared to traditional weekly sessions. By focusing on veterans who have served since September 2001, the trial addresses a critical need for effective treatment strategies in this population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include veterans aged 18 and older who have served since September 2001 and are enrolled in a substance use intensive outpatient program.
Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairment or those currently experiencing suicidal or homicidal intent may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve PTSD treatment outcomes and reduce substance use among veterans.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that massed formats of therapy can enhance treatment outcomes in military and veteran populations, indicating a promising approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Veterans * age 18+ * who have served since September 2001 * who are enrolled in a SUD IOP at a participating VA * meet DSM-5 criteria for a current SUD (Tobacco Use Disorder alone not sufficient for inclusion) * meet DSM-5 criteria for PTSD * report substance use at least 20 of the last 90 days * are able to give informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * severe cognitive impairment * current suicidal or homicidal intent requiring immediate treatment * current unstable psychotic or manic symptoms not attributable to SUD
Where this trial is running
San Diego, California and 3 other locations
- VA San Diego Healthcare System — San Diego, California, United States (Recruiting)
- VA Tampa Healthcare System — Tampa, Florida, United States (Recruiting)
- VA Atlanta Healthcare System — Atlanta, Georgia, United States (Recruiting)
- Hines VA Healthcare System — Chicago, Illinois, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Shannon Kehle-Forbes, PhD — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Sonya Norman, PhD
- Email: snorman@ucsd.edu
- Phone: 858-518-8266
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.