Participate in Research
The San Francisco VA Health Care system (SFVAHCS) has over 200 active researchers with research projects currently conducted at the SFVAHCS. Their research would not be possible without the dedication and commitment of the volunteers who participate in the studies in partnership with scientists and researchers to advance the health of Veterans.
If you are interested in participating in a SFVAHCS study, please call the number listed for that study.
Listed below is a representative selection of current studies:
Colchicine Coronavirus SARS-CoV2 Trial (COLCORONA)
Have you been diagnosed with COVID-19, are not hospitalized and >40 years old? This is a clinical trial to determine whether a short-term treatment with an FDA-approved medication reduces the risk of death and lung complications related to COVID-19. Participation involves taking a medication daily for 30 days, including 6 phone calls (no in-person visits).
Contact: 1-877-536-6837 or www.ColcoronaCalifornia.org
Healthy Veteran Volunteers Needed for Paid Research
The Brain Imaging and EEG Lab (BIEEGL) in the department of psychiatry at the San Francisco VA Medical Center is recruiting volunteers to participate in research examining psychiatric illness. The experiment may involve simple computer-based tasks, electroencephalogram (EEG), and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Compensation: $20/Hour, with an opportunity for multiple visits
Contact: (415) 562-4334 or complete study screening at http://tinyurl.com/bieegl
Insomnia Treatment Study: Telephone-Facilitated Insomnia Treatment in Primary Care for Veterans
Are you having trouble sleeping? If you are a Veteran who is 18-75 years old, you may be eligible to participate in a study of a new non-pharmaceutical treatment for insomnia. Participants will undergo 4 brief treatments and monitor their sleep for 5-6 weeks.
Compensation: up to $390
Contact: 415-221-4810 ext. 24850
LED Study for Gulf War Veterans with Memory and Cognition Issues
Transcranial, Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Therapy to Improve Cognition in Gulf War Veterans with Gulf War Illness. Requires comeing to the SFVAHCS 2x/week for 8 weeks during the hours of 9am-5pm, M-F.
Compensation: up to $1,115
Contact: 415-22-4810 ext. 24602
Multi-Level Assessment and Rehabilitation of Combat Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
The purpose of this research is to learn how to help improve functioning in individuals with history of mild brain injury. These studies will inform us whether training core attentional self-regulatory control functions, via personally-relevant activities, will be effective in improving daily life for Veterans with mild TBI and comorbid conditions.
Compensation: $25/Hour for participation, but when inside the MRI machine compensation is $30/Hour.
Contact: 415-221-4810 ext. 24129
Ne T: Neuroimaging of Trauma Study
Help researchers understand more about how exposure to traumatic experiences in early adulthood affects the brain. Participants will come to the San Francisco VA for four visits, including several research tests, psychological interview, blood tests, and an MRI of the brain. All study tests are usually completed within one month or less.
Compensation: up to $260
Contact: 415-221-4810 ext. 24169
Novel Combination Therapy for Osteoporosis in Men
Are you a man with low bone mass or a fracture? Researchers want to find a more effective way to treat men who have low bone density or osteoporosis.
Compensation: up to $630. Each participant will only be paid for the parts and visits of the study he completes.
Contact: 415-575-0522 or dolores.shoback@va.gov
Pilot Test of Telephone-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia for Veterans with Gulf War Illness
Seeking Gulf War Veterans (Persian Gulf War 1990-91) who are currently experiencing difficulty falling or staying asleep and other symptoms of Gulf War Illness. All procedures and treatments will be conducted by telephone or by mail.
Compensation: up to $355
Contact: 415-221-4810 ext. 24602
Problem Gambling?
The Brain Imaging and EEG Lab (BIEEGL) in the department of psychiatry at the San Francisco VA Medical Center is recruiting volunteers to participate in research examining psychiatric illness. The experiment involves simple computer-based tasks, electroencephalogram (EEG), and behavioral questionnaires.
Compensation: $20/Hour, with an opportunity for multiple visits
Contact: (415) 562-4334 or complete study screening at http://tinyurl.com/bieegl
Prolonged Exposure + Oxytocin Study
Are you a Veteran with symptoms of post-traumatic stress? This study seeks to test the experimental drug oxytocin combined with prolonged exposure therapy to treat Veterans suffering from PTSD. This study will be fully virtual. Participants can be in the study from the comfort of their own home with no in-person visits required. This study consists of ~13 virtual visits over a period of 9-12 months.
Compensation: up to $500
Contact: 510-985-3522 (leave voicemail if no answer) OR
REST: Researching Effective Sleep Treatments
Do you suffer from nightmares due to a traumatic experience? If you are between the ages of 18 and 69 with symptoms of PTSD you may be a good candidate for a new study at the San Francisco VA Medical Center testing doxazosin, an FDA-approved medication which may help alleviate symptoms of PTSD including distressing dreams.
Compensation: up to $490
Contact: 415-221-4810 ext.23809
SRS: Stress and Resilience Study
Help researchers to better understand post-traumatic stress, and to develop new and more effective treatments. Study participants will be asked to make 4 visits to the San Francisco VA Medical Center, complete a computerized learning task which involves a mild electrical pulse, and provide a blood sample prior to the computer tasks.
Compensation: up to $225
Contact: 415-221-4810 ext. 25116 or sarah.wagner4@va.gov
SRV: Sleep Restoration in Veterans Study
Help us test the effectiveness of a new sleep medication.
Compensation: up to $500
Contact: 415-221-4810 ext. 25116 or sarah.wagner4@va.gov
The Effects of Long-Term Substance Use on the Brain
Curious about your brain during recovery? Research scientists at the San Francisco Veterns Affairs Medical Center are conducting a study on the effects of long-term substance use on the brain structures and function during recovery.
Compensation: $30/Hour
Contact: 415-221-4810 ext. 23254
Veteran Volunteers with Depression Needed for Paid Research
The Brain Imaging and EEG Lab (BIEEGL) in the department of psychiatry at the San Francisco VA Medical Center is recruiting volunteers to participate in research examining psychiatric illness. The experiment may involve simple computer-based tasks, electroencephalogram (EEG), and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Compensation: $20/Hour, with an opportunity for multiple visits
Contact: (415) 562-4334 or complete study screening at
Veteran Volunteers with Schizophrenia Needed for Paid Research
The Brain Imaging and EEG Lab (BIEEGL) in the department of psychiatry at the San Francisco VA Medical Center is recruiting volunteers to participate in research examining psychiatric illness. The experiment may involve simple computer-based tasks, electroencephalogram (EEG), and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Compensation: $20/Hour, with an opportunity for multiple visits
Contact: (415) 562-4334 or complete study screening at http://tinyurl.com/bieegl
VGX: Veterans Group Experience Study
This study will offer two kinds of classes to help Veterans manage stress syemptoms: Integrative Exercise, incorporating aerobic strength training with mindful breathing. PTSD Recovery Classes, offering practical facts about PTSD treatment and recovery.
Compensation: up to $400
Contact 415-221-4810 ext. 24578