Actively Recruiting
Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Justice-Involved Veterans: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Led by VA Office of Research and Development · Updated on 2025-11-19
200
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
26 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Justice-involved Veterans face high risks for suicide and other challenges due to legal issues, mental health, and substance use problems. Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Justice-Involved Veterans (DBT-J) is designed to address these complex needs. This research study is a Phase III clinical trial comparing DBT-J to supportive group therapy to see which better reduces criminal behavior risk and improves psychosocial functioning among these Veterans. Participants will receive either 16 weeks of DBT-J, which includes weekly one-hour group therapy sessions and biweekly 30-minute individual case management, or 16 weeks of supportive group psychotherapy with weekly 75-minute group sessions. Both therapies are provided via telehealth. After the therapy period, a 36-week observation phase follows to monitor longer-term effects. Throughout the study, Veterans will undergo multiple assessments over 52 weeks to measure risk of future criminal behavior, psychosocial functioning, suicidal thoughts, substance use, psychological distress, resilience, quality of life, and other factors. Researchers will use these measurements to compare the two therapies and understand how DBT-J may benefit different subgroups. Participants will be monitored regularly to track changes and outcomes during and after treatment.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Justice-Involved Veterans
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Veteran aged 18 years or older
- Able to provide consent
- Current or recent criminal justice involvement defined as arrest, order of protection, incarceration within two years prior to participation, or supervision by probation or parole at time of participation
You will not qualify if you...
- Limited English proficiency
- Unable to tolerate group therapy format
- Enrolled in a concurrent clinical trial
- Currently enrolled or scheduled for DBT- or RNR-based program
- Prior participation in DBT-J program
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 screening and enrollment visit (in-person or via telehealth)
Duration - 16 weeks
Participants receive 16 weeks of group psychotherapy and case management services tailored for justice-involved Veterans, delivered via telehealth.
Weekly group therapy visits and biweekly individual case management visits
Duration - 36 weeks
Participants are observed for 36 weeks following treatment to assess ongoing outcomes related to criminal behavior, psychosocial functioning, and other health measures.
Periodic assessments during the 36-week observational period
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, CO
Aurora, Colorado, United States, 80045-7211
Actively Recruiting
2
James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY
The Bronx, New York, United States, 10468-3904
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
E
Emily R Edwards, PhD
S
Sharon Alter, MA
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here