Using the Multiphase Optimization Strategy to Adapt Cognitive Processing Therapy

Description

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) consists of discrete therapeutic components that are delivered across 12 sessions, but most Veterans never reach session 12, and those who drop out receive only 4 sessions on average. Veterans drop out because of time constraints, logistics, and lack of perceived benefit. Unfortunately, Veterans who drop out prematurely may never receive the most effective components of CPT and continue to experience symptom-related distress and numerous other negative outcomes, including lost productivity, substance use, later-life physical disability, reduced quality of life, and increased risk of suicide. The overall objective of this study is to adapt CPT into a brief, effective format. The rationale is that identifying the most effective intervention components and delivering only those components will make CPT deliverable in a shorter timeframe, thus improving efficiency, reducing drop-out related to poor treatment response, and ensuring that Veterans receive the most beneficial components of treatment, which will significantly improve their quality of life.

Conditions

Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic

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Study Overview

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Study Details

Study overview

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) consists of discrete therapeutic components that are delivered across 12 sessions, but most Veterans never reach session 12, and those who drop out receive only 4 sessions on average. Veterans drop out because of time constraints, logistics, and lack of perceived benefit. Unfortunately, Veterans who drop out prematurely may never receive the most effective components of CPT and continue to experience symptom-related distress and numerous other negative outcomes, including lost productivity, substance use, later-life physical disability, reduced quality of life, and increased risk of suicide. The overall objective of this study is to adapt CPT into a brief, effective format. The rationale is that identifying the most effective intervention components and delivering only those components will make CPT deliverable in a shorter timeframe, thus improving efficiency, reducing drop-out related to poor treatment response, and ensuring that Veterans receive the most beneficial components of treatment, which will significantly improve their quality of life.

Using the Multiphase Optimization Strategy to Adapt Cognitive Processing Therapy

Using the Multiphase Optimization Strategy to Adapt Cognitive Processing Therapy

Condition
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Ann Arbor

VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States, 48105-2303

Cincinnati

Cincinnati VA Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States, 45220-2213

Salt Lake City

VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States, 84148-0001

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * score of 33 or above on the PCL-5
  • * at least 4 weeks on a stable dose for individuals who are taking psychotropic medication
  • * over the age of 18
  • * active suicidality (assessed by the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale with scores indicating elevated acute risk for suicide warranting hospitalization or intensive treatment)
  • * need for detoxification
  • * severe cognitive impairment that, in the judgment of the investigator, makes it unlikely that the patient can provide informed consent or adhere to the study regimen (as evidenced by confusion, inability to track discussion or answer questions, or other clear and significant indicators of cognitive impairment)
  • * psychosis or unmanaged bipolar disorder
  • * previous receipt of CPT in the past year
  • * current engagement in trauma-focused psychotherapy (Prolonged Exposure or Cognitive Processing Therapy)

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

VA Office of Research and Development,

Rebecca Kaufman Sripada, PhD MS, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI

Study Record Dates

2026-03-31