Ongoing Research and Research Labs

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Searching for the next breakthrough...

STRIVE conducts ongoing research to:

  • Improve psychological treatments
  • Identify factors that contribute to psychological health and well-being
  • Test innovative methods for helping service members and veterans in need

 

Ongoing Studies

R&R Extended
The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of brief cognitive behavior therapy (BCBT) for suicide prevention and cognitive processing therapy (CPT) with crisis response planning for treatment of PTSD. Sessions will be scheduled either over a 2-week period or 10-week period. Sessions will be provided either in-person or via telehealth format, depending on the participant’s geographic location and preference. Note: Provides BCBT or CPT in weekly or daily formats.

 

Prolonged Exposure (PE) for PTSD

The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of prolonged exposure therapy (PE) enhanced with crisis response planning or safety planning for treatment of PTSD. Treatment is delivered through 10 consecutive weekday sessions lasting approximately 60 minutes, tele-health only. Enrolling adults meeting diagnostic criteria for PTSD or sub-threshold PTSD (i.e., meeting threshold levels for 3 of 4 symptom criteria).

 

QSPIRE
The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of brief cognitive behavior therapy (BCBT) for treatment of suicidal ideation for individuals that identify as holding a gender or sexual minoritized identity (i.e. gay, lesbian, transgender, queer, etc.). QSPIRE will include 12 individual outpatient BCBT sessions scheduled on a weekly basis, with sessions lasting approximately 60 minutes. Eligible participants report suicidal ideation with intent to die within the past week or a suicide attempt within the past month.

 

Music in PTSD Therapy (Harmonise Study)
The goal of this study is to learn if listening to music with modified frequencies can make therapy for PTSD more effective. Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) will be scheduled for 10 in-person sessions, each lasting 60 minutes. Before each session, participants listen to 15 minutes of music. Locations: Ohio State University and the Wright Patterson Air Force Base.

 

Ketogenic Intervention and PTSD Therapy (EMBARK Study)
The goal of this study is to learn if a ketogenic dietary program in combination with cognitive processing therapy (CPT) can improve symptoms of PTSD. Participants will complete 11 weeks of a personalized ketogenic program. Participants will attend 10 in-person sessions of CPT, each lasting 90 minutes. In between sessions, participants will be asked to wear sensors to track stress, sleep, glucose, and ketones. Location: Ohio State University. 

 

STRENGTHENS
The purpose of this study is to improve the effectiveness of brief cognitive behavior therapy (BCBT) for suicide prevention. Participants will complete up to 10 in-person or online sessions of BCBT followed by 30-minute questionnaires. Additional follow-up interviews at 1, 3, and 6 months post-therapy completion. Eligibility will be decided during initial interview and questionnaires. Optional smartphone application available for download to use during the program.
  • Co-Principal Investigators: Samantha Daruwala, PhD and Melanie Bozzay, PhD
  • Point of Contact: Anna Crouser (Anna.Crouser@osumc.edu)

 

Targeting Risk and Uncertainty Around Safety, Together (TRUST)
TRUST is looking to adapt a brief, psychological program promoting health and safety for People of Color (POC). Participants will complete one initial interview and up to two follow-up sessions. All visits will take place remotely via phone - or video-conferencing software.
  • Co-Principal Investigators: Samantha Daruwala, PhD and Nicolas Allan, PhD
  • Point of Contact: Kayley Stratton (Kayley.Stratton@osumc.edu)

Participant Feedback

"I also want to take a moment to express my deep gratitude for the support and guidance you provided during my two weeks in STRIVE therapy. From the very first session, I felt seen, heard, and respected in a way that I didn’t even know I needed. Your ability to balance validation with challenge, while showing compassion and authenticity, made all the difference. The trust and safety you created allowed me to open up and engage with parts of myself I wasn’t sure I could face, let alone share with someone else. I’ll never forget how you offered a glimpse of yourself, which made me feel like I could do the same. Your presence was so grounding, and I honestly don’t think I could have done this work with just anyone." Harmonise Participant
"I am feeling great.  I feel much more grounded, focused, and open to new opportunities.  There have been some moments of grief that have come up, but I now feel empowered to recognize it and manage it after learning how to use CPT.  My confidence in this method and in myself is definetly growing" Harmonise Participant
"You helped me to the next level. I am forever grateful. My symptoms are not gone but they are definitely lower. Thank you so much for all your care!! Your help was life changing. I just wanted to let you know that your work is valuable and matters."  Prolonged Exposure Participant
“I have been in therapy constantly since 2015, I’ve worked with at least 10 different people and frequently had thoughts like, ‘why isn’t this helping?’, and ‘why aren’t they addressing my distress?’ The work that we have done together has been tough, but it’s actually working." R&R Participant
"While I still face my struggles and the stuck points don’t magically disappear, I now have a clearer sense of the tools I need to begin shifting my thoughts and beliefs about myself. There’s a quiet sense of hope growing inside me that I thought I’d lost forever, and I’m leaving the program feeling cautiously optimistic about what the future holds. I know you’d prefer I focus on my own work, but I believe it’s important for you to know just how much of a difference you’ve made in my life. You’re incredible at what you do, and I’m so thankful for the safe space you created for me to grow." Harmonise Participant

Peer-reviewed Articles

2020 Peer-reviewed Articles (PDF)
2019 Peer-reviewed Articles (PDF)

Helpful Links