Whole Health STEPS for Veteran Mental Health

Overseen By Emily M Johnson, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development

Must not be taking: Psychotropic medications

Disqualifiers: Severe impairment, Communication inability, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 4 months

82 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This clinical trial is evaluating Whole Health STEPS (Structured Tiered Engagement with Peer Support), a package of services designed to improve functional outcomes for primary care Veterans with mental health concerns who are not actively engaged in mental health services. Whole Health STEPS uses a Peer Support Specialist, or Peer, to provide support for Veterans to make progress on wellness goals using the Whole Health model. The level of support provided will be determined based on Veterans' progress and will be stepped-up until Veterans receive the level of support they need. Whole Health STEPS offers a non-mental health referral option for primary care Veterans with mental health concerns, provides a structured package of existing Whole Health services, and provides a structured service for peers in primary care settings.

Research Team

Emily M. Johnson, PhD

Principal Investigator

Syracuse VA Medical Center, Syracuse, NY

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for Veterans enrolled in primary care with mild functional impairment and mental health concerns, who are not currently receiving intensive mental health services. They must be able to communicate in English and have no recent changes to psychotropic medications.

Inclusion Criteria

Enrolled in primary care at a participating site

Veteran status

I have some difficulty doing everyday tasks.

Exclusion Criteria

I cannot communicate in English by myself.

I prefer to be referred directly to a mental health care provider.

I have recently changed my mental health medications.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive Whole Health STEPS, a structured package of services with peer support to improve functional outcomes

4 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Whole Health STEPS

Trial Overview The trial evaluates Whole Health STEPS, a support program led by peers aiming to help Veterans achieve wellness goals using the Whole Health model. The level of peer support varies based on the Veteran's progress.

Participant Groups

Group I: Whole Health STEPS Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will immediately receive Whole Health STEPS.

Group II: Waitlist Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will receive Whole Health STEPS after a defined waiting period.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

VA Office of Research and Development

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,691

Recruited

3,759,000+