Helping healthcare workers cope with PTSD from COVID-19

Reducing COVID-related PTSD symptoms in Frontline Healthcare Workers through Trauma-Focused Treatment in Employee Assistance Programs

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10873335

This study is looking at a shorter, easier way to help healthcare workers who are dealing with PTSD from the trauma of the COVID-19 pandemic, by testing a new 4-6 session treatment that can be offered through their workplace support programs.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-10873335 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on providing effective treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in healthcare workers who have faced significant trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic. The approach involves adapting a standard 12-session PTSD treatment into a shorter 4-6 session format, making it more accessible through Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). The study aims to test the effectiveness of this brief treatment and identify any barriers to its implementation within healthcare systems. By leveraging existing EAP resources, the research seeks to improve the mental health and functioning of frontline healthcare workers.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are frontline healthcare workers who are experiencing PTSD symptoms related to their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Not a fit: Patients who are not healthcare workers or those who do not exhibit PTSD symptoms related to COVID-19 may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce PTSD symptoms in healthcare workers, enhancing their mental well-being and job performance.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in using similar trauma-focused treatments for PTSD in military populations, suggesting potential effectiveness in healthcare workers as well.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.