Helping women on medication for opioid treatment stay in care by treating PTSD linked to partner violence
Promoting Retention in Opioid Treatment among Women Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence: A Novel Stepped Care Model Targeting PTSD
A stepped care program adds PTSD-focused counseling to medication-based opioid treatment for women experiencing intimate partner violence to help them stay in treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11371675 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If I join, staff at my medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) clinic would first offer an 8-session Present-Centered Therapy+ (PCT+) program led by trained non-clinical staff to help me cope with current stressors from partner violence. If I don't get enough relief, the program steps up to HOPE, a 10-session cognitive behavioral therapy delivered by a master's-level therapist that focuses on IPV-related PTSD. All care is meant to fit inside or alongside my regular MOUD visits so I don't need many extra appointments. Researchers will follow my PTSD symptoms and whether I stay in MOUD over time to see if this stepped approach helps women like me remain in treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Women currently receiving medication for opioid use disorder who are experiencing intimate partner violence and related PTSD symptoms are the intended participants.
Not a fit: People not on MOUD, men, or women without recent IPV or PTSD-related problems are unlikely to benefit from this specific program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce PTSD symptoms and keep more women engaged in medication treatment for opioid use disorder, lowering relapse and overdose risk.
How similar studies have performed: PCT+ and HOPE have shown benefit for women experiencing IPV or PTSD in prior work, but combining these therapies into a stepped model within MOUD care is a new approach.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sullivan, Tami P — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Sullivan, Tami P
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.