New program helps veterans hold onto PTSD gains with fewer doctor visits

NCT ID NCT05797441

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

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested a program called EMPOWER for veterans who completed trauma-focused therapy for PTSD and saw improvement. The program includes a workbook and four therapist check-ins over 12 weeks to help veterans manage symptoms on their own. Researchers wanted to see if it could maintain or build on therapy gains while reducing the need for ongoing mental health visits.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: EMPOWER behavioral self-management program
What this could lead to: If it works, this could help veterans maintain PTSD improvements with fewer clinic visits, freeing up resources for others.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed study with 80 veterans, so results may not apply to everyone. The program requires motivation and may not work for those with severe symptoms.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

post-traumatic stress disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER PTSD

Contacts and locations

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Locations

Cincinnati VA Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH

Cincinnati, Ohio, 45220-2213, United States
Durham VA Medical Center, Durham, NC

Durham, North Carolina, 27705-3875, United States
Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, IL

Hines, Illinois, 60141-3030, United States
James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, FL

Tampa, Florida, 33612, United States
Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL

Chicago, Illinois, 60612, United States
Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55417-2309, United States
VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Sepulveda, CA

Sepulveda, California, 91343, United States
Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center, Columbia, SC

Columbia, South Carolina, 29209-1638, United States

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