Reentry tools to help Veterans transition successfully after prison
Development of a Psycho-social Transition Program and Transition Assessment Tools for Veterans With Mental Illness and/or Substance Use Disorders Leaving Prison
This project will test a reentry program and brief assessment tools to help veterans with mental illness or substance use disorder who were recently released from prison reconnect to care and succeed in the community.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Dallas, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT04366531 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The work is conducted in three phases beginning with qualitative interviews of veterans released within the past 36 months to document transition experiences, stigma, and behaviors that interfered with success. Phase 2a uses those findings to design a tailored transition program and Phase 2b creates assessment tools to guide the program. Phase 3 is a pilot two-group randomized crossover comparison of the new program versus usual VA care to gather feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary outcome data. The interventions include the START-VETS reentry program compared with treatment as usual delivered at the Dallas VA Medical Center.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Veterans with a history of mental illness and/or substance use disorder who were released from prison within the past 36 months and who can participate in interviews and program activities are the intended participants.
Not a fit: People with active psychosis or cognitive impairment that prevents participation, non-veterans, or veterans released more than 36 months ago are unlikely to benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could improve veterans' connection to treatment, reduce relapse and repeat incarceration, and ease community reintegration.
How similar studies have performed: Similar community reentry and peer-navigation programs have shown promise in reducing recidivism and improving engagement, but randomized evidence specifically in veterans is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Veteran with mental illness and/or substance use disorder released from prison within the past 36 months Exclusion Criteria: * psychosis or cognitive impairment precluding active participation
Where this trial is running
Dallas, Texas
- VA North Texas Health Care System Dallas VA Medical Center, Dallas, TX — Dallas, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: James P. LePage, PhD — VA North Texas Health Care System Dallas VA Medical Center, Dallas, TX
- Study coordinator: April Crawford, MS
- Email: april.crawford@va.gov
- Phone: (214) 857-2571
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.