Can a phone therapy boost recovery after a heart attack?

NCT ID NCT04877197

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jul 23, 2026 · Updated 6 times

Summary

This study tests whether a type of talk therapy called Behavioral Activation, delivered via home-based telehealth, can improve social functioning and mood in veterans recently discharged from the hospital for a heart condition. About 132 veterans with depression will receive either 12 weekly therapy sessions or standard post-discharge care. The goal is to see if the therapy helps them get back to daily activities and reduces the chance of being readmitted to the hospital.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Behavioral Activation therapy delivered via home-based telehealth
What this could lead to: If it works, this could provide an effective way to help heart patients recover social and daily functioning and reduce depression without medication.
What could go wrong: This is a relatively small trial (132 participants) focused on veterans, so results may not apply to everyone. The therapy requires active participation and may not work for all.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cardiovascular disorder Depression depressive disorder major depressive disorder Psychological Well-Being

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES DEPRESSION

Contacts and locations

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Study contacts

Contact

Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC
RECRUITING

Charleston, South Carolina, 29401-5703, United States

Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Contact

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