New hope for veterans: therapy combo targets PTSD and suicide risk

NCT ID NCT05974631

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jul 17, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study compares two treatments for veterans with PTSD who are at high risk for suicide. One group receives Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) plus a special PTSD exposure protocol, while the other gets standard prolonged exposure therapy with suicide risk management. The goal is to see which approach better reduces self-harm and PTSD symptoms. The trial will also look at how easy or hard it is to use these treatments in VA clinics.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) combined with DBT Prolonged Exposure protocol
What this could lead to: If successful, this could provide a proven treatment option for veterans with PTSD who are at high risk for suicide, potentially reducing suicide attempts and PTSD symptoms.
What could go wrong: This is a relatively small trial (125 participants) and results may not apply to all veterans. The therapy is intensive and may not be feasible in all VA settings.

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

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD) are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

post-traumatic stress disorder Self-Injurious Behavior Suicide

As listed by the trial registrant

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

POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD) SELF-DIRECTED VIOLENCE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Durham VA Medical Center, Durham, NC
RECRUITING

Durham, North Carolina, 27705-3875, United States
Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN
RECRUITING

Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55417-2309, United States
South Texas Health Care System, San Antonio, TX
RECRUITING

San Antonio, Texas, 78229-4404, United States
VA Puget Sound Health Care System Seattle Division, Seattle, WA
RECRUITING

Seattle, Washington, 98108-1532, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.