Digital therapy for veteran couples shows promise in reducing relationship distress
NCT ID NCT05136651
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 04, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tests a digital program called OurRelationship for veteran couples experiencing relationship distress. The program includes online modules and coaching sessions over 6-8 weeks. Researchers want to see if it improves relationship satisfaction and reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. 100 couples are taking part.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- OurRelationship program (online behavioral intervention with coaching)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could provide a flexible, accessible way to improve relationship satisfaction and mental health for veteran couples.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with 100 couples, so results may not apply to all veterans. The program requires time and commitment, and not all couples may benefit.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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100 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Feb 2023
- Expected to finish
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Apr 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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A government agency
The lead sponsor is a US federal agency other than the NIH.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Participants will be couples consisting of a Veteran referred from a mental health care clinic at VA San Diego Healthcare System and their spouse or romantic partner who is willing to participate * Couples must: * both speak, read, and write English * be married, living together, or in a relationship for at least 12 months * endorse clinically significant relationship distress by one or both partner's reports (i.e., \< 104.5 on the Couples Satisfaction Index-32) * have internet access sufficient to complete the online program and attend telehealth visits * be willing to have telehealth coach sessions audio-recorded Exclusion Criteria: * Couples will be excluded if either partner reports * an active substance use disorder within the past three months (i.e., 2+ on the TAPS screening tool for a single substance followed by positive diagnosis in clinical interview) * a diagnosis of a psychotic or bipolar disorder with current uncontrolled symptoms (by self-report) * a diagnosis of severe cognitive impairment or intellectual disability (by self-report) * severe physical or sexual relationship aggression during the past 12 months (i.e., 10+ on the Hurt-Insult-Threaten-Scream \[HITS\] screening tool followed by clinical interview) * current suicidal ideation or behavior determined to be high-risk according to current VA clinical assessment protocols (i.e., "yes" on any high-risk items on the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale) * suicide-related hospitalizations within the past 12 months (by self-report)
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA
San Diego, California, 92161-0002, United States
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