The Use of a Novel Peer Education Program for Improving PTSD Treatment Engagement Among Veterans
(AboutFace Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byAnouk L. Grubaugh, PhD MA BS

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Behavioral health problems among Veterans have raised awareness of the critical need for more reliable, effective, and accessible ways to recognize those in need, direct them to help, and ensure that they receive the best evidence-based care available. AboutFace is a novel peer education program that features the personal stories of Veterans and is designed to improve Veterans' likelihood of engaging in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) specialty care. Using a randomized controlled study design the investigators propose to compare the efficacy of AboutFace relative to standard care for improving treatment engagement and outcomes. Additional data from VA providers will provide valuable information on wide scale implementation and dissemination of AboutFace. If AboutFace increases access of services, data will have broad implications for overcoming barriers to care for Veterans with PTSD and other stigmatized conditions.

Research Team

Anouk L. Grubaugh, PhD MA BS

Principal Investigator

Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

Veterans must be referred for a PTSD evaluation through the Charleston VAMC PTSD Clinic Team (PCT) and Telehealth Programs and recommended for PTSD specialty care through the clinic.