An Innovative Combined Psychosocial Intervention to Improve Productive Community Integration in Homeless-experienced Veterans
VA Office of Research and Development
Summary
The VA has been focused on reducing the number of homeless Veterans nationally. However, it has been very difficult to increase the level of productive activities--including work, school, and training--for homeless-experienced Veterans (HEVs), even when the VA provides substantial case management and support services in addition to housing. The overarching aim of this proposed treatment project is to validate an innovative psychosocial intervention (a combination of Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; MI-CBT) that is designed to enhance motivation and increase productive community integration in Veterans who have experienced homelessness. The efficacy of this new intervention will be evaluated in a randomized control trial that includes 24 weeks of active treatment, and a follow up assessment, compared with a control condition. The results of the proposed study will have clinical and functional impact for Veterans by helping HEVs to achieve fuller community integration.
Description
Significance to the VA: The VA has been heavily focused on reducing the number of homeless Veterans nationally. However, it has been very difficult to increase the level of productive activities--including work, school, and training--for homeless-experienced Veterans (HEVs), even when the VA provides substantial case management and support services in addition to housing. The overarching aim of this proposed project is to validate a recovery-oriented psychosocial intervention that is designed to reduce motivational impairments and increase productive community integration in Veterans who have…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Veteran * fluent in English * history of homelessness and currently housed through VA HUD-VASH housing programs * expressed willingness to work on a school, work, or training goals Exclusion Criteria: * no clinically significant medical, neurological, or physical condition that would interfere with providing informed consent or valid assessments * no visible sign of intoxication on the laboratory assessment visits
Interventions
- OtherMotivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Psychosocial intervention to increase motivation for work and productive activities
- OtherHealthy Behavior Training
An educational program on nutrition, exercise, and stress management.
Location
- VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, West Los Angeles, CAWest Los Angeles, California