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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:
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) for Tobacco-Cannabis Co-Use Study: A Medication Trial
Looking to quit smoking cigarettes? Volunteer for this paid research study!
In coordination with the Department of Veterans Affairs, UCSF, the Northern California Institute for Research and Education (NCIRE) and funded by the Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program (TRDRP), the REACT Lab is conducting a study to understand whether N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) may promote smoking cessation and reduce cannabis cravings in people who use both cigarettes and cannabis. At this time, it is not known if NAC helps people with tobacco and cannabis cravings or helps people quit smoking.
Adults (18+), both Veterans and non-Veteran community members, who use both tobacco and cannabis, may be eligible for a 12-week study which includes taking either an antioxidant study medication, NAC, or a placebo.
Participants will also meet with a study therapist by phone once a week for 8 weeks for brief behavioral coaching, and secure one-on-one interviews. The study will also include neurocognitive testing.
This project can be conducted remotely or in person.
Compensation: Up to $350.
Contact Madeline Martinez Rivas: Madeline.MartinezRivas@va.gov
Or call (415) 221-4810 x23097 with your name and a callback number.
This volunteer study is supervised by NCIRE-supported researcher Dr. Ellen Herbst and conducted through REACT Lab (NACStudy@ncire.org). REACT Lab is located at the San Francisco VA Medical Center in San Francisco, California.
Open Clinical Trial for Non-drug Intervention to Treat Osteopenia in Postmenopausal Women
A clinical study, sponsored by Bone Health Technology (BHT), is looking to enroll 50 postmenopausal patients with diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds who are not currently taking any osteoporosis drugs and have DXA scan bone density T-scores between -1.0 and -2.4.
This is a year-long study of a novel, non-drug intervention to treat osteopenia in postmenopausal women, with goals to see improvement in bone density and bone strength at the hip and lumbar spine as measured by DXA and CT scans after one year, as well as an immediate improvement in biochemical markers of bone turnover. There will be urine and serum measurements of bone cell activity, reflecting both bone formation and bone resorption, before and during use of the OsteoBoost technology, the first vibration belt specifically designed to treat osteopenia and prevent osteoporosis. Participants in the study will benefit from the most advanced analysis and monitoring of their bone health by some of the leading clinicians in the field.
For more information on the newest study being sponsored by BHT or if you think you or someone you know would be interested in participating, please visit www.sprybeltstudy.com.
The study is a collaboration between NCIRE, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System (SFVAHCS), the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF).
MOTION Study for People Experiencing Mild-to-Moderate Memory Loss
Are you 55 or older and experiencing mild-to-moderate memory loss? Do you live in either the San Francisco or Los Angeles area? Are you interested in taking a fully online course twice a week for 12 weeks? If so, you may be eligible to participate the Multi-domain Online Therapeutic Investigation Of Neurocognition (MOTION) Study. We are conducting a research study comparing three different online behavioral interventions aimed at improving function and quality of life in people with mild-to-moderate memory loss. Participants will also be asked to attend three in-person assessments at either the San Francisco VA or UC Los Angeles campus for evaluation of physical and mental function. The first and second assessments will also include a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scan.
Compensation: up to $350
For specific questions about participation in the San Francisco Area:
Please contact Sarah Slain
Phone: (415) 910-1655
Email: sarah.slain2@ucsf.edu
For specific questions about participation in the Los Angeles Area:
Please contact Courtney Sheen
Phone: (310) 794-9523
Email: csheen@mednet.ucla.edu
Learn more: https://motionstudy.ucsf.edu/
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
Neuroimaging of Trauma (NeT) Study
25– 35 year olds needed for a paid research study examining the impact of early adulthood trauma on the brain. We will ask you some questions over the phone, and if you are a potential match for the study, we will invite you to an interview conducted remotely with one of our clinicians to gather information about your background, psychological history, and current symptoms. If you further qualify, we will invite you for another remote visit which includes cognitive tests, medical screening, and some questionnaires about your health and sleep habits. You will also have an MRI of the brain in-person at the San Francisco VA.
Compensation: up to $175
Contact: (415) 988-3005
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 jeffrey.nicol@va.gov
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 http://tinyurl.com/bieegl
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