Title STEPS study Meta Meta description PTSD study at Central Arkansas Veterans Health | Veterans Administration Content Page introduction Sequenced Treatment Effectiveness for Posttraumatic Stress - STEPS study Generate a table of contents from major headings No table contents Main content Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System is conducting a Sequenced Treatment Effectiveness for Posttraumatic Stress (STEPS) study in partnership with the University of Washington. Questions and answers about the STEPS study Section Intro Sequenced Treatment Effectiveness for Posttraumatic Stress - STEPS Questions Why is the study being done? The study will determine whether providers should recommend medications or brief counseling first to treat posttraumatic stress. For patients who do not respond to the first treatment, we want to determine what treatment providers should recommend next. How long would I participate in the project? Eight (8) months. What are the treatments? You would be randomized (like the flip of a coin) to either: Medications – One of our providers will prescribe you an antidepressant medication. Brief Counseling – During six weekly sessions (30 minutes each) you will write about a trauma with one of our behavioral health therapists. If the treatment doesn’t work after 4 months, your care team will switch the treatment. Will I receive an experimental treatment? No experimental medications will be prescribed, and no experimental devices or therapies will be involved. Is it possible that I will receive a placebo (inactive substance)? No. All STEPS treatments have been proven effective. What if I don't like the treatment I am randomized to? You may decline the treatment offered to you. You may stop the treatment if it is not working for you. You may receive any other treatment available in our clinic. STEPS study eligibility You may be eligible if: Your provider determines you have symptoms of posttraumatic stress You are not eligible if: Your mental health medication prescriptions have recently changed You are receiving care in a specialty mental health clinic You will be compensated for your time by receiving: $50 gift card for completing the first survey $50 gift card for completing the second survey $50 gift card for completing the third survey For more information Call Irenia Ball with CAVHS at 501-257-1840; or John Fortney, PhD with the University of Washington at 206-658-6955. Talk to your provider to see if STEPS is right for you.