Using technology to optimize Collaborative Care management of depression in urban and rural cancer centers (SCOPE)

This project aims to improve the treatment of depression in cancer patients. Up to 25% of people with cancer will become clinically depressed, significantly affecting their quality of life, functioning, and ability to tolerate cancer treatment. Unfortunately, about 75% of cancer patients with depression do not receive adequate treatment, and patients in rural settings are […]

Impact of medical and recreational marijuana laws on cannabis, opioids and psychiatric medications: national study of VA patients, 2000 – 2024

We will analyze Veterans Health Administration electronic medical record data to determine the effects of medical marijuana laws (MML) and recreational marijuana laws (RML) on cannabis (use and cannabis use disorder); opioids (prescriptions, fatal and non-fatal overdoses, opioid use disorders); and psychotropic medication prescriptions, providing important information on MML and RML effects in VA patients […]

Preventing addiction related suicide

To evaluate the use of an existing selective suicide prevention intervention, Preventing Addiction Related Suicide (PARS), for use with Veterans by: 1) adapting and tailoring content to Veteran populations and 2) conducting an open trial within a VA substance use disorder intensive outpatient program.

Mapping SUD treatment in VA using administrative data

The Mapping SUD Treatment in VA Using Administrative Data: Identifying Similarities and Differences Between Women and Men Veterans project is using VA administrative data to evaluate the uptake and receipt of SUD-oriented treatment among all Veterans with a chart diagnosis of SUD enrolled in VHA from FY14 to FY18. Location of care, referral patterns, and […]


Development of F-18-Labeled Radiotracers for PET Imaging of Brain Alpha1A Adrenoceptor: A Tool for Precision Medicine in PTSD

Prazosin, a drug that prevents the neurotransmitter norepinephrine from binding to its alpha1 receptor (alpha1-AR) subtype has shown efficacy in reducing PTSD symptoms in most, but not all, studies of trauma-exposed Service Members, Veterans, and civilians. However, it is not effective in all patients and its use is complicated by variability in effective doses, a […]

Does the microbiome play a role in adverse outcomes following mTBI and PTSD?

The proposed research will be a preliminary investigation into the potential association between microbiota abundance, hormone levels, peripheral inflammation and current symptoms (psychiatric and cognitive) in Veterans with and without a history of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). This work has the potential to form a new line of research that could ultimately provide new […]

Project SARAH (Sexual Assault, Recovery & Hope)

Project SARAH is a randomized clinical trial providing treatment for PTSD and alcohol use in the first year following sexual assault for individuals who identify as female. The study aims to test 1) the role of fear and reward in recovery following sexual assault; 2) the efficacy of a PTSD vs an alcohol intervention for […]