NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Helping women on medication for opioid treatment stay in care by treating PTSD linked to partner violence

Official title: Promoting Retention in Opioid Treatment among Women Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence: A Novel Stepped Care Model Targeting PTSD

Funded at Yale University · NIH-11371675 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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.

More PTSD research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionYale University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Haven, United States)
Project startSeptember 30, 2023
Project endAugust 31, 2029
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$1,797,227
NIH project number4R33DA059895-02
Project IDNIH-11371675 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Women currently receiving medication for opioid use disorder who are experiencing intimate partner violence and related PTSD symptoms are the intended participants.

Less likely to help

People not on MOUD, men, or women without recent IPV or PTSD-related problems are unlikely to benefit from this specific program.

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.

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 gone: 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

  • Yale University
    New Haven, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Sullivan, Tami P — Yale University
  • Study coordinator: Sullivan, Tami P

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.