Cognitive Training to Improve Mental Health and Function in Veterans With Serious Mental Illness Using EEG Biomarkers to Guide Personalized Therapy In VA Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Centers

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to improve treatment options for Veterans with serious mental illnesses SMI such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and psychosis who receive care at VA Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Centers PRRCs. Many individuals with SMI experience cognitive difficulties that lead to lasting functional challenges and affect their quality of life. The study evaluates a new mental health therapy called Targeted Cognitive Training TCT, which focuses on improving basic sensory information processing to help enhance clinical, cognitive, and psychosocial functioning in these Veterans. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups one receiving Treatment As Usual TAU which includes standard PRRC services like clinician visits, recovery coaching, groups, psychotherapy, peer support, and supported employment the other group will receive the same TAU plus 30 hours of TCT. The TCT is a computer-based program where Veterans complete three one-hour training sessions per week, working on auditory processing exercises that increase in difficulty. Assessments will be performed after 10, 20, and 30 TCT sessions or after equivalent weeks for the TAU group. There is also a follow-up assessment 12 weeks after finishing TCT to check the lasting effects. Veterans will complete clinical, cognitive, and functional tests along with EEG biomarker evaluations at the start and at scheduled points during the study. Researchers will measure changes in symptoms, cognition, functional skills, and quality of life using tools like the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale PANSS, the Matrics Consensus Cognitive Battery MCCB, and the UCSD Performance-Based Skills Assessment. The study also explores how well Veterans and clinicians accept TCT and EEG biomarker testing, while identifying challenges and supports for using this therapy in practice. Participation lasts throughout the treatment and follow-up phases, with assessments at multiple intervals.

Enhancing Rehabilitation for Veterans With Serious Mental Illness