Training veterans with serious mental illness to improve social skills for work
Acceptability and Feasibility of Work-Oriented, Veteran-Centric, Social-Cognitive Skills Training
This study is testing a special training program to help veterans with serious mental illnesses improve their social skills for better job interactions.
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 (Minneapolis, Minnesota) |
| Trial ID | NCT05491538 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to adapt an established social cognitive skills training program, Social Cognition and Interaction Training (SCIT), specifically for veterans with serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The intervention will focus on enhancing social cognitive abilities that are crucial for workplace interactions, including emotion recognition and understanding social cues. The study will assess the acceptability and feasibility of this tailored program when combined with supported employment services, with the goal of improving functional outcomes for participants. Feedback from veterans and employment specialists will guide the adaptation process to ensure it meets the unique needs of this population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are veterans who are outpatients at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, motivated to pursue employment, and diagnosed with specific serious mental illnesses.
Not a fit: Patients with moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries or significant cognitive impairments may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly enhance the employment prospects and social functioning of veterans with serious mental illnesses.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies using similar social cognitive training approaches have shown promise, indicating potential for success in this adapted intervention.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Veterans who are outpatients and enrolled to receive supported services at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. * Veterans are eligible for this program if they are receiving services from a mental health team at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, are motivated to pursue employment, and are seeking employment within 30 miles of the medical center. * Veterans will be eligible for the study if they have a DSM-5 diagnosis of Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, Bipolar I Disorder, Bipolar II Disorder, Recurrent Major Depressive Disorder, or PTSD. Exclusion Criteria: Study exclusion criteria are: * presence of a moderate or severe traumatic brain injury * presence of a cognitively compromising neurological disease * understanding of English that is not sufficient for comprehension of testing procedures * premorbid IQ less than 70 * behavior that prevents participation in a group intervention * hearing or visual impairment that prevents completion of intervention and testing procedures * clinical instability, defined as active suicidal ideation or hospitalization in the previous 4 weeks * current diagnosis of alcohol or substance use disorder, severe * current participation in another mental health intervention study * inability to commit to 7-9 months of study participation due to a planned move or unstable housing * inability to provide informed consent * presence of a guardian of person
Where this trial is running
Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN — Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Tasha Marie Nienow, PhD — Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN
- Study coordinator: Tasha M Nienow, PhD
- Email: Tasha.Nienow@va.gov
- Phone: (612) 467-1004
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.