Therapist-Assisted Self-Management Program for PTSD
(EMPOWER Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

+8 other locations

Overseen byShannon M. Kehle-Forbes, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?This trial tests a program called EMPOWER that helps veterans who have completed PTSD therapy manage their own symptoms with some help from a therapist. It aims to maintain or improve their mental health and reduce the number of therapy sessions they need.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for veterans who have finished therapy for PTSD and seen improvement. They must have completed a specific course of treatment, agree to the study's terms, not start other weekly psychotherapies soon, and be open to any treatment arm. Those with suicidal thoughts needing monitoring can't join.

Inclusion Criteria

Provide informed consent

I have finished a therapy course with a study therapist.

I am willing to be assigned to any treatment group in the study.

+2 more

Exclusion Criteria

Report suicidal ideation that requires clinical monitoring at baseline

Participant Groups

The study tests EMPOWER—a self-management program assisting those who've completed PTSD therapy—against usual treatments. It aims to help maintain or improve symptom management, boost confidence in handling symptoms, and potentially reduce future mental health appointments.

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: EMPOWERExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

The goals of EMPOWER are to increase patients' self-efficacy for managing their PTSD, enable the maintenance or building upon gains made in TFT through the continued application of TFT skills, and encourage engagement in meaningful life activities. The program includes a Veteran workbook and four planned therapist contacts over the twelve weeks following TFT completion. The intervention includes: self-monitoring of symptoms, continued practice of TFT skills, engagement in meaningful activities, goal setting, and therapist support.

Group II: Treatment As UsualActive Control1 Intervention

The comparison condition will be TAU following completion of TFT. In the spirit of TAU, providers will not be restricted in the type or intensity of services offered. Depending on local clinic policy or norms, providers randomized to TFT may provide post-TFT treatment themselves or Veterans may be referred to other providers and/or back to the clinician who referred the Veteran to TFT. If providers would have typically discharged Veterans following TFT, that is also allowable.