Neuromodulation + prolonged exposure therapy: evaluation of a technology-enhanced entirely remote 2-week integrated treatment for pain and ptsd

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston received a $2.35M Project Grant from the Defense Health Agency under the Military Medical Research and Development program (CFDA 12.420) awarded July 1, 2025, with a completion date of June 30, 2029. This award funds research to evaluate a technology-enhanced, entirely remote two-week integrated treatment protocol that combines neuromodulation with prolonged exposure therapy to address both pain and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in military service members and related populations. The research will be conducted at the awardee's Houston, Texas location.

The project delivers advanced biomedical research services aligned with the Defense Health Agency's mission to transform healthcare for service members through innovative therapeutic interventions. The integration of neuromodulation technology with evidence-based psychotherapy represents a novel approach to addressing the co-occurrence of chronic pain and PTSD, conditions prevalent among military personnel. The four-year performance period supports the development and validation of this technology-enhanced treatment modality, with findings intended to provide clinical practice guidance and therapeutic options for military-relevant medical challenges.