Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Justice-Involved Veterans
Trial Parameters
Brief Summary
Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Justice-Involved Veterans (DBT-J) is a comprehensive, integrative program distinctively designed to address the range of mental health, substance use, case management, and legal needs of Veterans with current or ongoing criminal justice involvement. Data from two prior clinical trials attest to the program's feasibility and acceptability and preliminarily suggest participation in the program may yield meaningful improvements in risk for criminal behavior and resolution of high-priority case management needs. However, continued research is needed to further investigate the program's efficacy. This Phase III clinical trial aims to investigate the superiority of DBT-J over a supportive group therapy treatment in decreasing risk of future criminal behavior and increasing psychosocial functioning. Secondary and exploratory aims will also investigate superiority of DBT-J in improving secondary treatment targets, potential differential efficacy across special-interest Veteran subgroups, and long-term consequences of program participation.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Veteran aged 18+ * Able to provide consent * Current or recent history of criminal justice involvement, defined as * (a) criminal arrest, order of protection, or incarceration within two years prior to participation and/or * (b) supervision by probation or parole at the time of participation Exclusion Criteria: * Limited English proficiency * Inability to tolerate group therapy format * Enrollment in a concurrent clinical trial * Current or scheduled enrollment in a DBT- or RNR-based program * Prior participation in DBT-J program