Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD in Veterans with Substance Use Issues

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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
• New Orleans VA Medical Center
  New Orleans, Louisiana, United States Recruiting
• Cleveland VA
  Cleveland, Ohio, 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

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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.