Actively Recruiting
Problem-Solving Training for Concussion (PST-Concussion): A Brief, Skills-Focused Intervention to Improve Functional Outcomes in Veterans With mTBI and Co-occurring Mental Health Symptoms
Led by VA Office of Research and Development · Updated on 2025-09-08
134
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
26 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating a brief and flexible behavioral health treatment called Problem-Solving Training for Concussion (PST-Concussion) designed for Veterans with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), also known as concussion. Many Veterans with mTBI experience lasting neurobehavioral issues influenced by co-occurring conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and chronic pain. This study aims to assess whether PST-Concussion can improve recovery by reducing psychological distress and enhancing functional outcomes compared to usual care. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one receiving PST-Concussion and the other receiving treatment as usual (TAU). The PST-Concussion group will have six telehealth sessions, each about 30 minutes, that include problem-solving training, concussion education, motivational interviewing, goal-setting, and cognitive strategies. Those in the TAU group will receive standard primary care treatment as determined by their healthcare providers. Throughout the study, participants will complete self-report and cognitive assessments at the start, after treatment, and three months later. These include measures of psychological distress, neurocognitive functioning, psychosocial functioning, and quality of life. Some participants in the PST-Concussion group will be interviewed to understand the intervention's impact better. The study will monitor outcomes up to 24 weeks, and the total participation duration includes treatment and follow-up periods.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Problem-Solving Training for Concussion
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- English-speaking Veteran enrolled in VHA care
- History of concussion (mild traumatic brain injury or mTBI)
- Current psychological distress
- Subjective neurocognitive symptoms lasting 3 months or more
You will not qualify if you...
- Moderate to severe traumatic brain injury or other major neurocognitive disorder
- Psychotic disorder such as schizophrenia spectrum, delusional disorder, or bipolar/depressive disorder with psychotic features
- Acute suicidal thoughts
- Psychiatric hospitalization as an inpatient within the past 12 months
- Any illness or condition that would prevent or interfere with ability to participate in study visits, as determined by the study team
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 visit (in-person or remote)
Duration - Approximately 6 weeks
Participants assigned to the PST-Concussion arm receive six telehealth treatment sessions focused on brief problem-solving training, concussion education, motivational interviewing, goal-setting, and cognitive strategies. Participants assigned to treatment as usual continue their usual care.
6 telehealth treatment sessions
Duration - Up to 3 months after treatment
Participants complete assessments at post-treatment and three-month follow-up to evaluate treatment effects and functional outcomes.
2 assessment visits (post-treatment and 3-month follow-up)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
VA Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY
Buffalo, New York, United States, 14215-1129
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
P
Paul R King, PhD
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