NCT07507747 · VA Office of Research and Development
Testing an Adaptive Intervention for Peer-Supported Mobile Health for Primary Care Veterans With Psychological Distress
(Peer mHealth)
What this study is about
Many Veterans experience psychological distress including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and problems with sleep and anger. Services to address these problems need to be easy for Veterans to access. VA mobile health applications (mHealth apps) that teach skills to manage psychological distress are widely available.
View original scientific description
Many Veterans experience psychological distress including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and problems with sleep and anger. Services to address these problems need to be easy for Veterans to access. VA mobile health applications (mHealth apps) that teach skills to manage psychological distress are widely available. However, Veterans rarely use these apps enough to experience health benefits. Peer specialists are VA employees who are trained to use their lived experiences in mental health recovery to help other Veterans. Peers can provide support and accountability to Veterans as they use mHealth apps. Peers working in VA primary care settings are easily accessible to Veterans who receive VA services. This study aims to improve the health of Veterans by testing the effectiveness of peer-supported mHealth in reducing psychological distress. It will also test how much peer support Veterans need to improve their health with using mHealth apps.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Self Managed mHealth
Patients use mHealth apps to manage psychological distress
BEHAVIORAL
1 session of peer mHealth
Patients receive one session with a peer while using mHealth apps to manage psychological distress
BEHAVIORAL
4 sessions Peer mHealth
Patients receive 4 sessions with a peer while using mHealth apps to manage psychological distress
BEHAVIORAL
4 sessions of Peer Whole Health
Patients receive 4 session with a peer focused on Whole Health
Primary outcome measures
Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale
Time frame: baseline to 24 weeks
Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale is a widely used measure of psychological distress consisting of 21 items measured on a 4-point scale. The total score ranges from 0-63. Higher scores indicate greater severity.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Veteran enrolled in primary care at one of 3 VA facilities (Philadelphia, PA; Ann Arbor, MI; and Bedford, MA)
- clinically significant psychological distress on at least one DASS-21 subscale (Depression =\> 10, Anxiety =\> 8, Stress =\> 13)
Exclusion criteria
- symptoms that may preclude active engagement in the intervention such as gross cognitive impairment or current symptoms of mania or psychosis
- suicide risk as measured by the P4 Suicide Assessment
- plan to engage in psychotherapy during the intervention period
- started or changed the dose of a psychotropic medication in the last two months
- voice a preference to be directly referred to mental health specialty care
Where
- Palo Alto, California
- Bedford, Massachusetts
- Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Syracuse, New York
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Oct 2, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations