Peer support may help veterans shed stigma and embrace treatment

NCT ID NCT07742722

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

First seen Aug 03, 2026 · Last updated Aug 04, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial tests a peer-led program called Honest, Open, Proud (HOP) for veterans with mental health or substance use disorders who have been involved with the justice system. The program helps participants decide whether, when, and how to disclose their conditions, with the goal of reducing self-stigma and encouraging them to seek treatment. Researchers are comparing two ways of implementing the program across six VA medical centers to see which is more effective and cost-efficient.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: VA-HOP (Honest, Open, Proud), a peer-delivered group intervention to help veterans make decisions about disclosing behavioral health conditions
What this could lead to: If effective, this program could help veterans feel less stigmatized and more willing to seek mental health or substance use treatment, potentially improving their well-being and reducing repeat legal issues.
What could go wrong: This is an implementation study, so it focuses on how well the program is adopted rather than directly measuring health outcomes. The results may not apply to all veterans or settings, and the program's success depends on peer specialists and site support.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

mental disorder psychiatric disorder Psychological Well-Being Social Stigma substance-related disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

CO-OCCURRING DISORDERS MENTAL HEALTH DISORDER STIGMA SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER VETERANS

Contacts and locations

Locations

VA Bedford HealthCare System, Bedford, MA
RECRUITING

Bedford, Massachusetts, 01730-1114, United States

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