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 type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 400 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Stanford University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Palo Alto, California and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | June 2028 |
| Study ends | June 2028 |
| Registry record updated | April 24, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06367764 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
- Principal investigator: Annesa P Flentje, PhD — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Annesa P Flentje, PhD
- Email: lgbtqia_study@ucsf.edu
- Phone: 650-497-7112
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.