Treatment for self-injury in veterans

A Brief Intervention to Reduce Nonsuicidal Self-Injury and Improve Functioning in Veterans

Not applicable Interventional VA Office of Research and Development · NCT05969080

This study is testing a new brief treatment for veterans who struggle with self-injury to see if it can help them reduce these behaviors and improve their overall well-being.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorVA Office of Research and Development Federal
Locations1 site (Durham, North Carolina)
Trial IDNCT05969080 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project focuses on addressing nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) among veterans, a behavior that is significantly more prevalent in this population compared to the general public. The study evaluates the effectiveness and acceptability of a brief intervention called Treatment for Self-Injurious Behaviors (T-SIB), which aims to reduce NSSI behaviors and improve psychosocial functioning. The intervention incorporates functional assessments and ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to enhance engagement and accuracy in identifying triggers for NSSI. By utilizing evidence-based approaches, the study seeks to replace harmful behaviors with healthier alternatives.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are veterans aged 18 and older who have engaged in nonsuicidal self-injury on at least two occasions in the past 30 days.

Not a fit: Patients with a lifetime history of psychosis, mania, or hypomania, or those at imminent risk for suicide or homicide may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce self-injurious behaviors and improve the overall mental health and quality of life for veterans.

How similar studies have performed: While NSSI has been less studied in veterans, similar interventions for self-injury in other populations have shown promise, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 years of age or older
* Past service in the United States military
* Nonsuicidal self-injury engagement on 2 occasions in past 30 days
* Fluent in English
* Able to provide voluntary informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Lifetime history of psychosis, mania, or hypomania
* Imminent risk for suicide/homicide warranting immediate intervention
* Unable/unwilling to complete study procedures

Where this trial is running

Durham, North Carolina

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Self-Injurious BehaviorVeterans
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.