Remote Mental Health Study for Family Members of Veterans

Researchers at The National Center for PTSD & VISN 4 MIRREC are conducting a study to evaluate the impact of mental health support for Veterans.

Fast Facts

Individuals ages 18+

Intimate Partner or Relatives of Veterans

Compensation Provided

Conducted Nationwide

Study Background

Researchers at The National Center for PTSD & VISN 4 MIRREC are conducting a study to evaluate the impact of mental health support for Veterans.

This study aims to help Veterans who have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and aren’t getting treatment. It does this by getting their family members and partners involved. We know that family members play a big role in helping Veterans get the care they need. So, we’re giving them special coaching to help them help their Veterans. People in the study are those who think their Veteran loved one has PTSD and needs help.

They’ll be split into two groups: one gets regular coaching, and the other gets coaching plus an online resource called VA-CRAFT. They’ll do coaching sessions for 12 weeks to help their Veterans get care. We’ll ask them to fill out surveys before, during (at 12 weeks), and after (at 24 weeks) the coaching to see if it works. Some people will also get to do interviews to share more about how the coaching helped them and their Veterans.

Our goal is to close the gap between untreated PTSD and care for Veterans, with the help of their families.

Study Background

Researchers at The National Center for PTSD & VISN 4 MIRREC are conducting a study to evaluate the impact of mental health support for Veterans.

This study aims to help Veterans who have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and aren’t getting treatment. It does this by getting their family members and partners involved. We know that family members play a big role in helping Veterans get the care they need. So, we’re giving them special coaching to help them help their Veterans. People in the study are those who think their Veteran loved one has PTSD and needs help.

They’ll be split into two groups: one gets regular coaching, and the other gets coaching plus an online resource called VA-CRAFT. They’ll do coaching sessions for 12 weeks to help their Veterans get care. We’ll ask them to fill out surveys before, during (at 12 weeks), and after (at 24 weeks) the coaching to see if it works. Some people will also get to do interviews to share more about how the coaching helped them and their Veterans.

Our goal is to close the gap between untreated PTSD and care for Veterans, with the help of their families.

Additional Information

Researchers at the National Center for PTSD & VISN 4 MIRREC are currently conducting a remote research study to assess the effects of mental health support on Veterans.

You may qualify for a study if you meet the following criteria.

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Ages 18+
  • In an intimate relationship (dating, engaged, or married) with a Veteran, or directly related to a Veteran (parent, sibling, or adult child)
  • Veteran is not currently engaged in mental health care or has stopped within the past 6 months and does not intend to continue
  • Believe their Veteran has symptoms of PTSD
  • Frequent contact with their Veteran (verbal or face-to-face contact for 36 of the past 90 days)
  • Regular access to the Internet and a telephone

Throughout the course of this study, you’ll be asked to engage in various surveys and coaching sessions, as outlined below:

  1. Study Participation: You’ll be part of a fully remote study, meaning you can participate from the comfort of your own home.

  2. Survey Completion: You’ll be asked to complete three surveys throughout the study: a Baseline survey at the beginning, a Post Treatment survey at 12 weeks, and a Follow Up survey at 24 weeks to track progress.

  3. Coaching Sessions: You’ll have the opportunity to engage in regular coaching sessions, tailored to your schedule and availability, to support your loved one’s journey towards receiving care for PTSD.

You can earn up to $170 in compensation for your participation in our study.

Veterans can earn up to $50 for completing the interview portion of this study. 

There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.