Smartphone app to support women with PTSD and substance use after sexual assault
Official title: The Use of a Smartphone Application to Improve Delivery of an Integrated PTSD and SUD Intervention for Sexual Assault Survivors
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-11412403 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A smartphone app will help deliver an integrated PTSD and substance-use program for sexual assault survivors, aiming to make it easier to get evidence-based support.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | September 2, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $226,470 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM156709-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11412403 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults who have experienced interpersonal violence, are seeking help for PTSD and/or substance misuse, and have access to a smartphone.
✕Less likely to help
People without smartphone access or those whose symptoms require different treatment approaches may not benefit from this app.
What this research studies
This project develops and tests a mobile tool to help survivors access an integrated treatment for PTSD and substance misuse. It builds on the STEPS program to adapt care for real-world clinical settings using digital health strategies. The goal is to move toward independent research leadership by refining methods and generating usable data for translating evidence into practice. The app is designed to fit into acute-care and post-discharge pathways to reduce barriers to timely, effective care. The effort emphasizes practical implementation in clinical environments where survivors previously faced delays in receiving help.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the app could shorten time to care and improve outcomes for survivors dealing with PTSD and substance use.
How similar studies have gone: Digital health supports for PTSD and addiction show promise, but this integrated, app-based approach for sexual assault survivors is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hahn, Christine Kathryn — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Hahn, Christine Kathryn
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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.