Service Dogs + Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD

(SERVES+ Trial)

Overseen By Marguerite O'Haire, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Arizona

Disqualifiers: Current service dog, Current therapy

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 12

Duration: 12 weeks

216 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This study investigates the impact of Service Dog partnership on the effectiveness of Prolonged Exposure Therapy. We will learn whether Service Dog partnership in combination with Prolonged Exposure Therapy treatment can help Veterans with PTSD.

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for veterans who have been diagnosed with PTSD and are approved to receive a psychiatric service dog from Canine Companions or K9s For Warriors. It's not specified who can't join, but typically those with conditions that might interfere with the treatment or study requirements would be excluded.

Inclusion Criteria

I am approved for a psychiatric service dog from Canine Companions or K9s For Warriors.

I have been diagnosed with PTSD.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive 12 weeks of Prolonged Exposure Therapy once per week, with or without the addition of a service dog

12 weeks

12 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

12 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Psychiatric Service Dog

Trial Overview The study is testing if having a Service Dog partnered with a veteran undergoing Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD makes the therapy more effective. Participants will experience this combined approach and its outcomes will be compared to standard treatments.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: PTSD Service Dog + Prolonged Exposure Therapy Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Participants will receive 12 weeks of Prolonged Exposure once per week with the addition of a service dog

Group II: Prolonged Exposure Therapy Alone Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants will receive 12 weeks of Prolonged Exposure once per week

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Arizona

Lead Sponsor

Trials

545

Recruited

161,000+

United States Department of Defense

Collaborator

Trials

940

Recruited

339,000+