NCT06898879 · VA Office of Research and Development
Enhancing Veteran-Clinical Collaboration in VA PRRCs
(EVCC VPRRC)
What this study is about
Over 60% of Veterans with serious mental illness have a service-connected disability that impairs their ability to work, go to school, and/or have successful personal lives. Although traditional treatments tend to focus on symptom remission, Veterans prioritize a range of treatment goals, including personal empowerment and gaining personally meaningful skills.
View original scientific description
Over 60% of Veterans with serious mental illness have a service-connected disability that impairs their ability to work, go to school, and/or have successful personal lives. Although traditional treatments tend to focus on symptom remission, Veterans prioritize a range of treatment goals, including personal empowerment and gaining personally meaningful skills. Increasing Veteran-clinician collaboration can help effectively align care with each Veteran's goals and support an empowering therapeutic experience. This project will evaluate the effectiveness of a group-based intervention intended to increase Veterans' comfort, confidence, knowledge, and skills to collaborate with their treatment teams. Findings from this study will contribute important knowledge about this intervention's effectiveness and how to enhance its effectiveness, especially for Veterans from minoritized groups. If the decision-making intervention is effective, it would help Veterans with serious mental illness, and might also help Veterans with other chronic health conditions, like PTSD and chronic pain.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Collaborative Decision Skills Training
An ten-session group-based skills training intervention that focuses on treatment-related decision-making in order to facilitate improved engagement in decision-making processes. CDST teaches assertiveness skills, problem solving, goal planning, and conflict negotiation, within the context of treatment planning and decision-making. Each session is 60 minutes long.
BEHAVIORAL
Leveling Up
An ten-session group intervention that focuses on psychoeducation, befriending, and Veteran to Veteran support. Each session is 60 minutes long.
Primary outcome measures
Shared Decision-Making Coding System
Time frame: Baseline to 3-month follow-up
The Shared Decision-Making Coding System (SDM-CS) is a validated method of coding collaborative behaviors during treatment decision-making among patients with SMI and their providers. The SDM-CDS codes 9 elements of the decision process including goal setting, exploration of patient preference, and treatment alternatives. Coding for this measure is completed by recording frequency of specific interactions (e.g., the patient states a preference). Scores range from 0-18, where higher scores are better (indicating more collaborative behaviors).
Shared Decision-Making Coding System
Time frame: Baseline to 6-month follow-up
The Shared Decision-Making Coding System (SDM-CS) is a validated method of coding collaborative behaviors during treatment decision-making among patients with SMI and their providers. The SDM-CDS codes 9 elements of the decision process including goal setting, exploration of patient preference, and treatment alternatives. Coding for this measure is completed by recording frequency of specific interactions (e.g., the patient states a preference). Scores range from 0-18, where higher scores are better (indicating more collaborative behaviors).
Consumer-Created Opportunities for Active Involvement Coding System
Time frame: Baseline to 3-month follow-up
A validated measure for adults with SMI that codes presence of consumer driven collaborative behaviors, including sharing opinions about treatment effectiveness, making requests, and reflecting on the therapeutic relationship. This measure codes behaviors, so the minimum score is 0, and it has no maximum. Higher scores indicate more collaborative behaviors initiated by the consumer.
Consumer-Created Opportunities for Active Involvement Coding System
Time frame: Baseline to 6-month follow-up
A validated measure for adults with SMI that codes presence of consumer driven collaborative behaviors, including sharing opinions about treatment effectiveness, making requests, and reflecting on the therapeutic relationship. This measure codes behaviors, so the minimum score is 0, and it has no maximum. Higher scores indicate more collaborative behaviors initiated by the consumer.
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
- Be a Veteran currently receiving Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center (PRRC), Mental Health Intensive Case Management (MHICM) and/or Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) services at VA San Diego, Los Angeles, or Albuquerque (e.g., seen in the clinic in the past month or based on clinic criteria)
- Meet Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) criteria of serious mental illness; i.e., "having (within the past year) a diagnosable mental, behavior, or emotional disorder that causes serious functional impairment that substantially interferes with or limits one or more major life activities," based on chart review and clinician consultation if needed
- Be fluent and literate in English
- Agree to have a subset of VA mental health treatment appointments audiotaped
Exclusion criteria
- Primary substance use or organic neurological disorder diagnosis determined by chart review
- Are determined by clinician and/or study staff to be at significant risk of exacerbation of symptoms, suicidal ideation, or other risk due to study participation
- Have a history and/or current risk of violence that clinicians and/or study staff determine to be too high risk to manage effectively in the study setting (e.g., poses a risk to Veterans or study staff)
Where
- San Diego, California
- West Los Angeles, California
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
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 Aug 19, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations