Research

Conduct a partially randomized preference trial to evaluate the relationships between patient characteristics, preferences, treatment engagement, and outcomes for military members who engage in a shared-decision-making pre-intervention followed by evidence-based treatment. Also evaluate the impact of shared decision making on PTSD treatment completion and symptom reduction.

Evaluate a combination therapy for vestibular rehabilitation and psychological health following a mild traumatic brain injury. Determine whether it reduces vestibular symptoms and functional impairment more quickly and effectively than usual care. Look for predictors of treatment response that can guide future personalized care approaches.

Evaluate the effectiveness of quetiapine as a single medication therapy for postconcussive syndrome compared to treatment as usual with multiple medications following a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Determine whether quetiapine effectively reduces postconcussive symptoms and functional disability and improves quality of life. Explore whether it enhances recovery by reducing medication side effects and increasing engagement in rehabilitation services.

Evaluate the efficacy of a stellate ganglion block (SGB) injection combined with massed Prolonged Exposure therapy (massed PE) for the treatment of PTSD in active duty military personnel.

Test an abbreviated, intensive, multi-couple group version of Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD in comparison to an established couples’ relationship education program. Evaluate how effectively the interventions reduce service members’ and veterans’ PTSD and related symptoms and simultaneously reduce their partners’ psychological distress and improve couples’ relationship satisfaction.

Conduct a pilot study to develop an optimal treatment schedule, followed by a randomized clinical trial to determine the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral treatment for insomnia and nightmares in reducing sleep problems when integrated with PTSD treatment and delivered in an accelerated treatment format. Also explore the impact of the added sleep treatment on PTSD symptoms.

Evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of an evidence-based intervention for the nonpharmacological management of chronic pain in active duty military personnel.

Compare the effectiveness of two forms of a manualized behavioral health intervention for posttraumatic headache (PTH) to usual care in a sample of U.S. military personnel and veterans with chronic PTH.

Evaluate the safety, feasibility, and psychological and physiological treatment benefits of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a noninvasive brain stimulation technique, when delivered in combination with Written Exposure Therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder.

Test the acceptability and feasibility of Countering Chronic Anger and Aggression Related to Trauma and Transgressions (CCAARTT), an intervention designed to help service members and veterans heal after military-related betrayal, and prevent interpersonal violence in the military community. Test whether CCAARTT reduces problematic anger and aggression in military personnel with a history of military-related betrayal, improves interpersonal functioning, and reduces symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, or suicidal ideation.