Recovery-oriented Group Therapy for Veteran Men With Military Sexual Trauma (NCT06741202) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Recovery-oriented Group Therapy for Veteran Men With Military Sexual Trauma
United States32 participantsStarted 2026-10-05
Plain-language summary
VA has identified military sexual trauma (MST) as one of its highest priorities. MST is associated with increased prevalence of PTSD and depression, substance use disorders, suicide, difficulties maintaining relationships and employment, and homelessness. Yet important gender differences have been identified among MST survivors and many man may experience stigma and shame related to masculinity and sexuality. While gender-based shame appears central to MST-related distress and treatment underutilization, gender has often been overlooked in establishing evidence-based approaches, and no VA MST-related treatment has been developed specifically for men. To address this critical service gap, this study will collect data on improving treatment strategies and patient engagement for men with histories of MST. It will seek to develop strategies for enhancing a 12-session, gender-tailored group therapy for men MST survivors previously developed and implemented by the principal investigator. It will interview Veteran participants and mental health clinicians, conduct a pilot randomized trial, and evaluate feasibility within the VA, with the long-term goal of national implementation
Who can participate
Sex
MALE
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Eligible participants include any individual who identifies as a Veteran cisgender man with a history of MST, English-speaking, 18 years of age or older, and enrolled in the VAGLA. Participants must:
* comprehend and sign the informed consent form
* report a history of MST
* agree to complete research instruments
* Because we are looking for a range of impact among men MST survivors, participants will not be excluded based on psychiatric diagnosis
Exclusion Criteria:
* Per chart review conducted by the PI prior to screening and patient contact, Veterans will be excluded if they demonstrate:
* severe suicidal or homicidal ideation, defined using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) and behavioral flags per chart review
* severe and uncontrolled substance abuse (identified through current treatment of a substance use disorder in chart)
* illness that inhibits engagement in study procedures (e.g., inability to attend in-person visits)
* inability to self-consent to participate
* completion of CPT, PE, or the MMG 5 or fewer years ago
* concurrent enrollment in a trauma-focused intervention
* Through chart review, Veterans who dropped out of these treatments after 3 sessions will still be eligible as this is considered "early dropout."
* If immediate clinical attention is warranted, Veterans will receive immediate care via procedures outlined in the human subjects protection plan
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.