THRiVE: a peer-led program to support newly separated veterans during the military-to-civilian transition
Adapting Behavioral Activation to Improve Mental Health Outcomes and Reduce Suicide Risk During the Military Transition
This pilot will test whether a peer-led group program based on Behavioral Activation helps newly separated U.S. veterans improve mental health and reduce suicide risk during the transition to civilian life.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | RTI International Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Durham, North Carolina) |
| Trial ID | NCT06778278 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This one-arm pilot will develop and deliver THRiVE, a small-group, peer-led program adapted from Behavioral Activation, to up to 40 newly separated U.S. veterans. Primary outcomes are feasibility and acceptability measured via administrative data and validated self-report, with secondary outcomes tracking mental health symptoms, risk factors for suicidal ideation, and psychosocial functioning. Participants complete validated self-report measures at baseline, immediately post-program, and at a 3-month follow-up. The study is conducted remotely (participants must have internet and a private device) and is led by RTI International in collaboration with the U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal participants are U.S. military veterans aged 18 or older who separated within the past 12 months, live in the United States, have reliable internet access and a private device for online sessions, and do not have current severe substance use or psychotic/manic disorders.
Not a fit: Veterans with a history of manic, hypomanic, or psychotic episodes, current severe alcohol or substance use disorders, moderate-to-high acute suicide risk, significant other-directed violence risk, or those already receiving Behavioral Activation are unlikely to benefit or are excluded.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, THRiVE could improve mental health symptoms, lower suicide risk factors, and ease psychosocial reintegration for newly separated veterans.
How similar studies have performed: Behavioral Activation has strong evidence for reducing depression and improving engagement in valued activities, but using BA as a peer-led, cross-cutting prevention program for newly separated veterans is largely novel and has limited prior testing.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Be a United States military veteran * Have separated/retired from the military no more than 12 months prior to study enrollment * Be at least 18 years old * Have access to the internet; a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or other "smart" device with video camera, speakers, and microphone; and a private place from which to attend THRiVE sessions * Reside and complete all study activities within the United States Exclusion Criteria: * Endorse lifetime manic, hypomanic, or psychotic episodes * Meet Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria for current severe alcohol use disorder or substance use disorder (except for tobacco use disorder, which will not be exclusionary) * Screen positive for moderate or high acute risk for suicide * Screen positive for more than minimal risk for other-directed violence * Are receiving or plan to receive BA therapy for any mental health condition between enrollment and the 3-month follow-up assessment
Where this trial is running
Durham, North Carolina
- RTI International — Durham, North Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Shannon M Blakey, PhD — RTI International
- Study coordinator: Shannon M Blakey, PhD
- Email: sblakey@rti.org
- Phone: 919-485-5427
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.