Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD in Incarcerated Individuals

PTSD Treatment for Incarcerated Men and Women: WPP

NA · University of Wisconsin, Madison · NCT05432817

This study is testing whether Cognitive Processing Therapy can help reduce PTSD symptoms in men and women who are in prison.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment140 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Wisconsin, Madison (other)
Locations1 site (Madison, Wisconsin)
Trial IDNCT05432817 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project examines the effectiveness of Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) in reducing PTSD symptoms among incarcerated men and women. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the CPT group or a waitlist control group, with a total of 140 individuals involved. The study will assess PTSD symptom severity and explore psychological mechanisms of response through various measures taken before, during, and after the intervention. Informed consent will be obtained, and participants will engage in 10 to 12 treatment sessions lasting 90 minutes each.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are incarcerated individuals aged 18 and older who meet the criteria for PTSD and are willing to participate in group therapy.

Not a fit: Patients with active psychosis, suicidal ideation, or those who have participated in previous CPT groups may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly reduce PTSD symptoms in incarcerated individuals, improving their mental health and rehabilitation prospects.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using CPT for PTSD treatment, particularly in various populations, suggesting a potential for success in this novel setting.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Participants will be enrolled from the Department of Corrections trauma treatment waitlist who have been screened for:

* No active symptoms of psychosis that would interfere with the individual's ability to participate in the group
* No active suicidal ideation with intent or plan
* Able and willing to participate in group therapy

Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 years old or older
* meet PCL-5 criteria for current PTSD diagnosis within 2 months of enrollment
* no scheduled release date before the end of the treatment group
* able to understand the consent form as measured by the consent quiz
* no serious self-harm within past 6-months
* no disciplinary segregation tim in past 6-months
* have not participated in the previous CPT groups with UW project

Where this trial is running

Madison, Wisconsin

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: PTSD, Group therapy, Incarcerated Individuals

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.