Veteran PTSD Research Study

Dr. Bradley Peterson and his research team at Children's Hospital Los Angeles are partnering with veterans who have combat-related trauma to develop a new behavioral treatment. Join our compensated study today!

Fast Facts

combat-based trauma

18-65 years old

Compensation Provided

LA, Ventura, Kern, San Bernardino, Orange, & San Diego counties

Study Background

This research study aims to develop a new behavioral treatment for U.S. combat veterans with PTSD, based on a strategy called very brief exposure (VBE). Using fMRI brain scans, the study will assess brain activity in response to VBE to stimuli.

Participation will take about 4 hours total over 2 study visits. If you are a U.S. combat veteran, and you experienced a combat-based traumatic event (such as being injured or watching a buddy be killed), you may be eligible for this study.

Your participation may help researchers improve treatment approaches for PTSD in veterans. Advance research today and join our compensated study!

This research study is located at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles: 4650 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Additional Information

The purpose of this research study is to evaluate the effect of very brief exposure (VBE) to stimuli in the brains of combat veterans, in an effort to develop a behavioral treatment for PTSD.

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

Key Criteria:

  • U.S. combat veteran
  • 18-65 years old
  • Symptoms of PTSD
  • Experienced a combat-based traumatic event in the past
  • Able to complete an MRI 
  • Not pregnant

This research study is voluntary. Once enrolled, this study involves:

  • Visit 1: virtual interviews and assessments

  • Visit 2: in person interviews/assessments and MRI

Your total time commitment will be about 4 hours.

Compensation is provided up to $275 for your time.

There is no cost for you to participate in the study.

  1. Interviews: You could feel embarrassed or uncomfortable about questions that you are asked in the study. You can choose to skip or stop answering any questions that make you feel uncomfortable.
  2. MRI Scan: Lying still on the scanning table may be slightly uncomfortable. Sometimes people say that during the MRI scan, they feel a funny “tingling.” Some people feel nervous when they are inside the scanner because they do not like small spaces.
  3. Stimulus viewing: The stimuli that you will likely be able to see will be scenes from combat. You may experience some fear/anxiety at those times. At no point will you be in danger, and the fear/anxiety will pass shortly after.
  4. Confidentiality: As this study involves the use of your identifiable, personal information, there is a chance that a loss of confidentiality may occur. The researchers have procedures in place to lessen the possibility of this happening.

For further information, you can e-mail the study team at brainimaginglab@chla.usc.edu or call (323)361-6456.