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

NCT ID NCT05974631

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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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.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

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

  • Contact

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

Locations

  • Durham VA Medical Center, Durham, NC

    RECRUITING

    Durham, North Carolina, 27705-3875, United States

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

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

    Contact

  • Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN

    RECRUITING

    Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55417-2309, United States

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

    Contact

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

  • South Texas Health Care System, San Antonio, TX

    RECRUITING

    San Antonio, Texas, 78229-4404, United States

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

  • VA Puget Sound Health Care System Seattle Division, Seattle, WA

    RECRUITING

    Seattle, Washington, 98108-1532, United States

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

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

    Contact