Recovery-oriented Group Therapy for Veteran Men With Military Sexual Trauma

Starting soon · Not applicable · Has a placebo group

Conditions studied: Sexual Trauma

In brief

VA has identified military sexual trauma (MST) as one of its highest priorities. MST is associated with increased prevalence of PTSD and depression, substance use disorders, suicide, difficulties maintaining relationships and employment, and homelessness. Yet important gender differences have been identified among MST survivors and many man may experience stigma and shame related to masculinity and sexuality. While gender-based shame appears central to MST-related distress and treatment underutilization, gender has often been overlooked in establishing evidence-based approaches, and no VA MST-related treatment has been developed specifically for men. To address this critical service gap, this study will collect data on improving treatment strategies and patient engagement for men with histories of MST. It will seek to develop strategies for enhancing a 12-session, gender-tailored group therapy for men MST survivors previously developed and implemented by the principal investigator. It will interview Veteran participants and mental health clinicians, conduct a pilot randomized trial, and evaluate feasibility within the VA, with the long-term goal of national implementation

Key facts

Study ID

NCT06741202

Run by

VA Office of Research and Development

People needed

32

Starts

2026-10-05

Expected to finish

2029-12-31

Last updated by the study team

2026-05-06

Who can join

Age: any. Sex: male. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Eligible participants include any individual who identifies as a Veteran cisgender man with a history of MST, English-speaking, 18 years of age or older, and enrolled in the VAGLA. Participants must:
• comprehend and sign the informed consent form
• report a history of MST
• agree to complete research instruments
• Because we are looking for a range of impact among men MST survivors, participants will not be excluded based on psychiatric diagnosis

You may not qualify if…

• Per chart review conducted by the PI prior to screening and patient contact, Veterans will be excluded if they demonstrate:
• severe suicidal or homicidal ideation, defined using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) and behavioral flags per chart review
• severe and uncontrolled substance abuse (identified through current treatment of a substance use disorder in chart)
• illness that inhibits engagement in study procedures (e.g., inability to attend in-person visits)
• inability to self-consent to participate
• completion of CPT, PE, or the MMG 5 or fewer years ago
• concurrent enrollment in a trauma-focused intervention
• Through chart review, Veterans who dropped out of these treatments after 3 sessions will still be eligible as this is considered "early dropout."
• If immediate clinical attention is warranted, Veterans will receive immediate care via procedures outlined in the human subjects protection plan

Where it is running

• VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, West Los Angeles, CA — West Los Angeles, California, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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