Cognitive therapy for addiction and trauma in prisons

Effectiveness, Implementation, and Cost of Cognitive Processing Therapy in Prisons

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIV OF ARKANSAS FOR MED SCIS · NIH-11195580

This study is looking at how well a special group therapy can help people in prison deal with drug use and mental health issues after they get out, comparing it to self-help methods to see which works better in a prison setting.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIV OF ARKANSAS FOR MED SCIS (nih funded)
Locations1 site (LITTLE ROCK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11195580 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the effectiveness of a group-delivered Cognitive Processing Therapy adapted for criminal justice settings, aimed at reducing post-incarceration drug use and mental health symptoms among individuals in prison. The study will compare this therapy to individual self-help methods, assessing its feasibility and acceptability within the prison environment. By focusing on the high prevalence of trauma and substance use disorders in incarcerated populations, the research seeks to implement a structured intervention that could lead to better outcomes for these individuals post-release.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are currently incarcerated and experiencing substance use disorders or posttraumatic stress symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients who are not incarcerated or do not have substance use disorders or trauma-related symptoms may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce drug use, mental health issues, and crime rates among formerly incarcerated individuals.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically on this adapted therapy in prisons, similar cognitive therapies have shown promise in treating trauma and addiction in other settings.

Where this research is happening

LITTLE ROCK, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: addictive disorder

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.