MIRECC / CoE

Join a Research Study

Our research studies aim to develop, test and deploy effective interventions that reduce risk for suicide and improve Veterans’ quality of life. See below for a list of active research studies at our Center. All studies provide compensation for your time.
Learn more about our research→

Current Center Research Studies Open to Enrollment

A pilot study on mindfulness for pain and mental health outcomes

Dr. Lisham Ashrafioun is conducting a study to see if a mindfulness intervention or education on healthy living are beneficial for pain management and mental health. Participation in the study:

• Involves completing questionnaires, an interview, and 10 intervention sessions aimed at improving pain and mental health, which in total will last about 8 months.
• Provides compensation for the assessment measures you complete
• Is completely voluntary and will not affect your healthcare in anyway if you decide not to participate
• Has the potential to help you and other Veterans to improve the quality of healthcare services

For interest or questions, please contact Anna Stephens:

Email: Anna.Stephens@va.gov

Telephone: 585-282-8348

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Addressing social isolation in Veterans using substances

Using drugs or alcohol and feeling alone or disconnected? We’re here. Participation involves the following activities which are all completed via telehealth:

• After the informed consent process, you will first meet with a member of the research team to complete some baseline questionnaires on physical and mental health.
• Then participate in an intervention involving 8 weekly intervention sessions lasting about an hour that are both aimed at helping you live a healthy life.
• After completion of the 8 sessions, you will complete post-assessment questionnaires, similar to the baseline questionnaires, each of which take approximately 60-90 minutes

You will be compensated a total of up to $80 for your time. If you believe you might be eligible and are interested in participating or want additional information, please contact Park Bogan:

	Email: Park.Bogan@va.gov		Telephone: 808-379-5683
	View more information

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Increasing engagement in pain treatment

Chronic pain is very common and can impact both your physical and mental health. Dr. Lisham Ashrafioun is conducting a study to learn more about strategies to increase engagement in a variety of pain management options.

Participation in the study:

• Has the potential to help you and other Veterans to improve the quality of healthcare services
• Involves one 45-60 minute session focused on pain treatment, and completion of assessment measures 1-, 3-, and 6-months following the session. Therefore, participation involves about 4-6 hours of effort spread out over ~6 months.
• Provides up to $170 in compensation for the assessment measures you complete

If you are interested in participating, one of the research staff would first briefly speak with you by phone to see if you are eligible and can further describe the study. Primary eligibility criteria include having pain that interferes with activities and being prescribed pain medications. For interest in the study or for additional questions, please contact Park Bogan:

	Email: Park.Bogan@va.gov		Telephone: 808-379-5683
	View more information

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A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Brief and Standard Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies for Insomnia in Veterans

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is the “Gold-Standard” Treatment for insomnia. We are studying whether a brief form of CBT-I is an effective alternative to standard CBT-I for treating insomnia. Participants can choose to do treatment sessions either in-person or by phone.

If interested in learning more, please contact the study coordinator Liz Mattera:

Email: elizabeth.mattera@va.gov

Telephone: 857-352-4218

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The use of messaging strategies for Veterans at risk for suicide during transition from military service

We want to understand how to use VA suicide prevention campaigns with Veterans who have recently discharged from U.S. military service. We’re asking Veterans who recently separated from service to provide us with their opinions and beliefs of what types of public messages work and don’t work.

Participants will spend up to 4 hours over 2 months on study tasks involving:

• Download and use the study’s free mobile app on your own reliable Smartphone
• Complete 3 surveys by telephone with research staff (at the start of the study, and again 1- and 2-months later)
• Spend on average 6 minutes per week watching up to 4 video messages each week on the study app

You will be compensated a total of up to $75 for your time. If interested in learning more, please contact our research team at:

	Email: VHACharmResearch@va.gov		Telephone: 1-855-298-3630
	Complete our online eligibility screener

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