Recruiting

Comparing Two Therapy Approaches for Veterans With PTSD and Suicide Risk

Plain-English translation of NCT05974631 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated July 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing whether combining Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) with a PTSD-focused exposure therapy (called DBT PE) works better than standard Prolonged Exposure therapy with added suicide safety planning for veterans with PTSD who have recently hurt themselves or thought about suicide. The study will help doctors understand the safest and most effective way to treat PTSD in people at high risk for suicide.

Doctors have traditionally been hesitant to treat PTSD in people who are actively suicidal because of concerns about safety, which means many veterans don't get the evidence-based care they need. This trial aims to determine which approach—combining suicide-focused therapy with PTSD treatment, or adding extra safety planning—works best and is safest for this vulnerable population.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with PTSD
you have recently hurt yourself or attempted suicide more than once
you are currently having thoughts of suicide
you are a veteran eligible for VA mental health care at a participating site
you are at least 18 years old and willing to commit to all study activities for about 18 months

You likely don't qualify if…

you are unable to keep yourself safe without constant supervision
you have recently received significant DBT or Prolonged Exposure therapy (in the past year)
you plan to move away or be unavailable for more than 4 weeks during the next 18 months
you don't speak English well enough to understand the study or have a moderate to severe cognitive impairment that would prevent you from participating

What participation looks like

You will be randomly assigned to receive either one year of combined DBT and exposure therapy for PTSD, or up to 18 sessions of Prolonged Exposure therapy with added suicide safety planning. Both involve regular therapy sessions with trained clinicians at your VA facility, with the goal of reducing both your PTSD symptoms and suicidal thoughts. The study will track your progress over approximately 18 months.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 14, 2026 · Not medical advice

Comparing Two Therapy Approaches for Veterans With PTSD and Suicide Risk

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations