Research

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 (CART), an intervention designed to help service members and veterans heal after military-related betrayal, and prevent interpersonal violence in the military community. Test whether CART 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.

Evaluate the efficacy of Written Exposure Therapy for Suicide Prevention compared with treatment as usual in reducing severity and incidence of self-injurious thoughts and behaviors among hospitalized active duty military personnel at risk for suicide. Evaluate a method of predicting who will benefit from the therapy.

Develop and test a brief psychological intervention to enhance resilience and optimize readiness in U.S. military personnel.

Determine whether Written Exposure Therapy for Suicide reduces suicidal thoughts and behaviors and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS); determine whether reductions in PTSS severity lead to fewer suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Develop and evaluate an online training program for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Nightmares

Examine the safety, feasibility, and symptom reductions associated with cannabidiol (CBD) in military veterans receiving 2 weeks of daily treatment with Prolonged Exposure, a leading therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Evaluate potential biochemical and physiological changes associated with CBD vs. placebo and the relationship of those changes with the physiological stress response and PTSD symptom reduction.

Enhance delivery of chronic pain care in U.S. military primary care clinics by developing a manual and training program for providers in a drug-free pain management therapy that helps to reduce the use of opioid medications; evaluate the program in a pragmatic clinical trial involving patients with chronic pain.

Obtain preliminary data on the feasibility and efficacy of delivering couple-based treatment for PTSD within a multiple-couple group setting during a weekend retreat; evaluate the therapy’s impact on the severity of service members’ and veterans’ PTSD symptoms and co-occurring conditions, partners’ psychological well-being, and each partner’s relationship satisfaction.

Working with active duty military personnel who suffer from trauma-related nightmares, obtain preliminary data on the efficacy of a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy designed for treating nightmares.