Treatment for self-injury in veterans
Official title: A Brief Intervention to Reduce Nonsuicidal Self-Injury and Improve Functioning in Veterans
Run by VA Office of Research and Development · NCT05969080 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Durham, North Carolina) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 15, 2024 |
| Main results expected | January 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | March 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | February 19, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05969080 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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Durham VA Medical Center, Durham, NC
Durham, North Carolina, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Tate F Halverson, PhD — Durham VA Medical Center, Durham, NC
- Study coordinator: Tate F Halverson, PhD
- Email: Tate.Halverson@va.gov
- Phone: (919) 286-0411
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.