Improving opioid treatment outcomes for people with PTSD
Official title: Onsite PTSD Treatment to Improve MOUD Outcomes (OPTIMO): a hybrid Type 1 effectiveness-implementation trial of harm reduction PTSD care at syringe service programs
Funded at City College of New York · NIH-10812813 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to improve treatment for people who inject drugs and also have posttraumatic stress disorder by offering a special therapy right at syringe service programs through telehealth, making it easier for them to manage their PTSD and stick with their medication for opioid use disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | City College of New York NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $915,814 |
| NIH project number | 1R61DA059032-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10812813 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who inject drugs and have a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have opioid use disorder or PTSD may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) in individuals who inject drugs (PWID) and also suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The project will adapt Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), a proven PTSD treatment, to better meet the needs of PWID by delivering it onsite at syringe service programs (SSPs) through telehealth. By addressing PTSD symptoms, the research seeks to improve emotional regulation and retention in lifesaving medication treatments for OUD. The approach includes collaboration with harm reduction organizations to provide flexible and supportive care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve treatment engagement and outcomes for patients with co-occurring PTSD and opioid use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in adapting PTSD treatments for marginalized populations, indicating potential for this innovative approach.
Where this research is happening
-
City College of New York
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lopez-Castro, Teresa — City College of New York
- Study coordinator: Lopez-Castro, Teresa
Related research
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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.