Clinical trial Recruiting at 2 sites Interventional Ages 18 and up

Comparing PTSD treatments for LGBTQIA+ individuals

Official title: LGBTQIA+ Initiative for Empowerment, Support, Coping, and PTSD Education: A Comparative Effectiveness Study of PTSD Treatments Among Sexual and Gender Minority Populations

Run by Stanford University · NCT06367764 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing whether Cognitive Processing Therapy or STAIR Narrative Therapy works better to help LGBTQIA+ adults with PTSD feel better and improve their quality of life.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment400 (estimated)
SponsorStanford University
Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Palo Alto, California and 1 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedAugust 1, 2024
Main results expectedJune 2028
Study endsJune 2028
Registry record updatedApril 24, 2025
Trial IDNCT06367764 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are LGBTQIA+ adults aged 18 and older who currently reside in California and are seeking treatment for PTSD.

Probably not a fit

Patients who are not part of the LGBTQIA+ community or those currently undergoing other psychotherapy for PTSD may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and STAIR Narrative Therapy (SNT) in treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among LGBTQIA+ adults. The study will assess the reduction of PTSD symptoms, improvement in quality of life, and changes in depression levels among participants. Additionally, it will explore how factors such as stigma, discrimination, and substance use may influence treatment outcomes. Participants will receive one of the two therapies and complete assessments before and after treatment to measure effectiveness.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective PTSD treatments tailored specifically for LGBTQIA+ individuals.

How similar studies have gone: While PTSD treatments have been studied extensively, this specific focus on LGBTQIA+ populations is novel and has not been widely tested.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. 18 years of age or older
2. Currently live in California
3. Ability to understand study procedures and to comply with them for the entire length of the study
4. Ability to understand a written informed consent document and the willing to sign it
5. Ability to speak and read English or Spanish
6. Identify as a sexual and/or gender minority
7. Score 33 or higher on the PTSD Checklist-5 (PCL-5)
8. Interest in getting treatment for PTSD
9. Not be in another concurrent psychotherapy treatment (group or individual) for PTSD (psychotherapy treatment for non-PTSD conditions is allowed).
10. Able to attend treatment sessions in person in San Francisco or have access to a device that allows for treatment via videoconferencing.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Contraindication to any study-related procedure or assessment
2. Clinically significant impairment which interferes with ability to fully participate in the study (including symptoms of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, or other disorders)
3. Active suicidal intent

Where it's running

  • Stanford University
    Palo Alto, California, United States
    Recruiting
  • UCSF Alliance Health Project
    San Francisco, California, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
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.