Retreat-Based Program for Violence-Exposed Women Veterans (NCT07738445) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingPhase 2
Retreat-Based Program for Violence-Exposed Women Veterans
United States48 participantsStarted 2026-12-01
Plain-language summary
Given their elevated risk for suicide and barriers to engaging in VHA healthcare, violence-exposed women Veterans represent a specialized population for which expansions to current VHA programming are needed. This pilot study is to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the Growth, Resilience, Insight, and Togetherness (GRIT), a therapeutic retreat program developed with and for Veteran women, to improve social functioning as a potential upstream suicide prevention strategy in comparison to a self-guided program. If found acceptable and feasible, data gathered will inform subsequent program development and identify avenues for further research on use of retreats grounded in Whole Health principles for additional subpopulations of women Veterans and/or other high-risk populations that may benefit.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
FEMALE
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
. Experienced interpersonal violence as evidenced by endorsement of items 6, 7, 8, 9, or 11 from the Life Events Checklist for DSM-5®
. Are willing and able to participate in a two overnight, three-day, retreat and complete pre- and post-retreat surveys
. Are actively engaged in VHA mental healthcare (i.e., have a documented mental health visit with a VA provider within the last 90 days
. Endorse some difficulties in social functioning as indicated by a score \>2 on at least two items of the social functioning questionnaire
. Ability to speak, read, and understand spoken English sufficiently well to complete the procedures of the study
. Have access to a mobile phone or computer device that will enable participation in virtual video sessions
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.
. Current suicidal thoughts and intent (using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale; C-SSRS, (i.e., endorses items 1, 2, and 4 or 5)
. Diagnosis of alcohol or substance use dependence in medical record. In cases where alcohol or substance use is identified as problematic but not reaching the threshold for diagnosis of SUD dependence, additional consultation with mental health providers and chart review by the PI will be used to determine suitability for participation
. Current psychosis or mania as indicated by electronic health records, or as identified during baseline administration of Quick SCID