Web-based training program for providers treating PTSD and substance use disorders

Web-Based Provider Training for Concurrent Treatment of PTSD and Substance Use Disorders Using Prolonged Exposure (COPEWeb)

Not applicable Interventional VA Office of Research and Development · NCT05812131

This study is testing a new online training program for healthcare providers to help them better treat military Veterans who have both PTSD and substance use disorders.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment248 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorVA Office of Research and Development Federal
Locations1 site (Charleston, South Carolina)
Trial IDNCT05812131 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project aims to develop a web-based training program called COPEWeb for providers treating military Veterans with co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorders. The training will enhance providers' skills in delivering the evidence-based Concurrent Treatment of PTSD and Substance Use Disorders Using Prolonged Exposure (COPE), which has been recognized as a gold standard in behavioral healthcare by the VA. By addressing the critical shortage of trained clinicians, this initiative seeks to improve treatment accessibility and outcomes for Veterans. The program will include both online training and an option for in-person training to ensure comprehensive learning.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are behavioral health providers within the VA who have not previously received training in COPE.

Not a fit: Patients who are not providers in the behavioral health field or who have prior training in COPE will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this training could significantly improve the quality of care for Veterans suffering from PTSD and substance use disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar web-based training approaches, indicating a promising avenue for improving provider education.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* currently a provider in a behavioral health field (e.g., psychology, psychiatry, counseling)
* at least 18 years old
* English speaking
* able to consistently obtain reliable internet access
* willing to attend a 2-day "live" in-person (or virtual) COPE training if randomly assigned to that condition
* willing to engage in a standardized patient assessment after training
* has no prior formal training in the COPE therapy

Exclusion Criteria:

* received prior training in COPE
* not a provider in the behavioral health field
* non-English speaking
* lack of reliable internet access
* younger than 18 years old

Where this trial is running

Charleston, South 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 PTSDSubstance Use Disorderssubstance use disorderstrainingproviders
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.