Can a phone app boost PTSD therapy for veterans?
NCT ID NCT04959695
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looks at whether a smartphone app called PE Coach can help veterans with PTSD do better in a proven type of talk therapy called prolonged exposure. About 124 veterans will be randomly assigned to receive therapy with or without the app. The goal is to see if the app improves daily functioning, reduces PTSD symptoms, and helps veterans stick with treatment.
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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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About 124 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jul 2022
- Expected to finish
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Sep 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 to 65 years
- 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: * Veterans aged 18-65 * enrolled in VA healthcare and eligible for VA PTSD psychotherapy * current diagnosis of PTSD based on CAPS-5, Minimum total severity score of 26 or higher * English language fluency * willingness to participate in individual, in-person or telemental health PE psychotherapy including use of a mobile device Exclusion Criteria: * neurological conditions (based on review of the volunteer's medical record) that are severe enough to interfere with PE treatment and assessments (i.e., diagnosed Major Neurocognitive Disorder, severe neurological disorders (e.g., ALS), and those with severe TBI history). Neurological disorders that may result in mildly impaired cognitive function (such as multiple sclerosis or those with history of mild or moderate severity TBI) will be eligible, pending a score of 6 or higher on the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire * current intent to suicide * behavioral patient record flag in the VA medical record * a history of a serious mental health condition listed in their medical record problem list that is known to include psychotic symptoms, such as schizophrenia or a depressive disorder with psychotic features. We will also ask for self -reported indicators of psychosis, using an existing interview template * in an ongoing threatening situation (e.g. domestic violence) * positive screen for severe alcohol use disorder, as indicated by an AUDIT score equal to or higher than 13 or 15 for women and men, respectively * prior history of 3 or more sessions of PE therapy for PTSD * other current psychotherapy for PTSD that is recommended (with at least weak strength) in the VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for the treatment of PTSD * a physical condition that interferes with the proper use of a mobile device. * not stable on psychotropic medications for at least 6 weeks prior to enrollment
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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VA Puget Sound Health Care System Seattle Division, Seattle, WA
RECRUITINGSeattle, Washington, 98108-1532, United States
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