Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

THRiVE: a peer-led program to support newly separated veterans during the military-to-civilian transition

Official title: Adapting Behavioral Activation to Improve Mental Health Outcomes and Reduce Suicide Risk During the Military Transition

Run by RTI International · NCT06778278 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment40 (estimated)
SponsorRTI International
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Durham, North Carolina)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJuly 30, 2025
Main results expectedOctober 31, 2026
Study endsOctober 31, 2026
Registry record updatedJune 10, 2026
Trial IDNCT06778278 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a 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.

Probably 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.

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

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.

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 gone: 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.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Be either (a) a United States military veteran who separated no more than 12 months prior to study enrollment or (b) a United States transitioning service member on terminal leave
* 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 it's running

  • 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

Similar studies

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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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.