Battle-tested breakthroughs

The Suicide and Trauma Reduction Initiative for Veterans (STRIVE) provides free psychological treatment for current service members and veterans for both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB).

Treatment programs typically last two weeks to three months.

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R&R Program

The R&R program provides state-of-the-art psychological treatment for current service members and veterans experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to exposure to military and nonmilitary related traumatic events. All veterans are eligible regardless of the era or discharge status.

Learn more about R&R program
The R&R program’s predominant treatment for PTSD is cognitive processing therapy (CPT). CPT is very effective and is one of only a few therapies endorsed by the Department of Defense (DoD), Veterans Affairs (VA) and the National Academy of Medicine. CPT is a 12-session treatment where you meet individually with one of our well-trained clinicians for 60-minute sessions. Participants in the R&R program will be enrolled in a research study to help us improve our treatment outcomes and better understand how to help veterans overcome PTSD. As part of this study, we will conduct assessments with you and ask you to complete various questionnaires before, during and after treatment.

To determine your eligibility to participate in the study, you will need to complete an online screener and diagnostic interview to confirm your diagnosis of PTSD. You will be compensated for your time when completing post-treatment assessments.

Through R&R, we are able to offer in two formats:

R&R Tele-Health

R&R Tele-Health is a daily treatment program that lasts two weeks. You will meet individually with one of our clinicians for 10 sessions of CPT via tele-health. Materials and log-in information will be mailed to the study participant. The participant will coordinate daily appointment times with the designated clinician.

R&R OSU campus

R&R OSU Campus is temporarily suspended due to COVID-19 cases. However, we hope to start up again as soon as people are vaccinated and or the number of COVID-19 cases begin to diminish.

The R&R OSU campus daily treatment program lasts two weeks. You will meet individually with one of our clinicians each day for 10 sessions.
- The afternoons are for participants to enjoy and explore what the great city of Columbus has to offer.
- Lodging, food and airport transportation are provided free of cost. Lodging will be provided at a local hotel, and there’s free transportation from the airport to the hotel and between the hotel and STRIVE’s offices. A per diem or meal vouchers will be covered by the R&R program.
- Costs to participants include a rental car, if one is desired. Family members are welcome to come out to support the participants; however, participants are responsible for their family members’ airfare, food and any additional lodging. No family therapy is available at this time.
Cost of airfare may be eligible for reimbursement upon arrival in Ohio for the participants.

“I was able to set aside my fear, looking over my shoulder, expecting the worst out of humanity. I’ve been given back my ability to smile, to laugh and, most of all, to engage with my family.” Air Force PJ

“Over 40 years with PTSD; who am I if I don’t have PTSD? I am now a man who believes in hope and idealism and wants to become a better person, finding happiness and inner peace.” Jim

“I am so happy to see him find a new vision of himself.” Melanie Jim’s wife

BCBT for Suicide program

The STRIVE BCBT program provides state-of-the-art psychological treatment for current service members, veterans, first responders (e.g., law enforcement officers, dispatchers, firefighters and paramedics) without a military history, and their family who are experiencing symptoms of suicidal thought and behaviors (STB).

Learn more about BCBT

BCBT uses highly trained clinicians in brief cognitive behavioral therapy for suicide (BCBT) developed by STRIVE researchers. BCBT is very effective and is one of two therapies endorsed by the DoD, VA and the National Academy of Medicine. BCBT is a 12-session treatment where you meet individually with one of our clinicians for 60-minute sessions. Participants in the BCBT program will be enrolled in a research study to help us improve treatment outcomes and better understand how to help veterans overcome STB. As part of this study, we will conduct assessments with you and ask you to complete various questionnaires before, during and after treatment.

BCBT Tele-Health: 

BCBT Tele-Health is a weekly treatment program that lasts approximately three months. You will meet individually with one of our trained clinicians for 12 sessions of brief cognitive behavioral therapy via tele-health. Materials and log-in information will be mailed to the study participant. Participant will coordinate appointment times with their designated clinician. You will be compensated for your time when completing post-treatment assessments.

Generous contributions allow STRIVE to provide quality treatment at no cost to service members, veterans and first responders. If you are interested in learning more, in participating in one of our studies or in sponsoring a veteran/first responder to attend one of these treatments, go to: STRIVE2Be.org.

Serving those who serve

Veterans and First Responders who go through our studies help STRIVE find the answers to how we can make treatments better, faster and stronger for those that follow.

It is through generous contributions that STRIVE can provide quality, life-saving treatment studies at no cost to the service members, veterans, first responders and their families. If you are interested in participating in one of our studies or want to sponsor a veteran/first responder to attend, please fill out the following form:

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STRIVE is awaiting IRB approvals upcoming in summer 2021 to start the R&R study for all first responders. If you want to refer a patient send an email to STRIVE@osumc.edu.