Evaluating the effects of PRISMA on mental health in pretrial detainees

The Short-term Effects of PRISMA on Mental Health

Not applicable Interventional University of Zurich · NCT06197711

This study is testing a new therapy program called PRISMA to see if it can help improve the mental health of people held in pretrial detention.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment1480 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Zurich Academic / other
Locations1 site (Zurich, Canton of Zurich)
Trial IDNCT06197711 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to assess the impact of the PRISMA intervention, a cognitive-behavioral therapy-based program, on the mental health of individuals in pretrial detention. Conducted in 11 facilities across the cantons of Zurich and Bern, the study will involve a randomized controlled trial with approximately 5,100 pretrial detainees. The goal is to improve psychological wellbeing and social integration for inmates, particularly those experiencing anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the PRISMA intervention or standard care.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 18 and older entering pretrial detention in the specified facilities.

Not a fit: Patients who are not fluent in any of the nine languages offered for PRISMA or those experiencing acute suicidality may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve mental health outcomes for pretrial detainees, reducing anxiety and depression.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with cognitive-behavioral therapy interventions in similar populations, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* • Entering pretrial detention inmate in any of the 11 pretrial detention facilities in the Cantons of Zurich and Bern

  * aged ≥ 18 years

Exclusion Criteria:

* Not fluently speaking any of the nine languages in which PRISMA is offered: German, Albanian, Arabic, English, French, Italian, Romanian, Serbian/ Croatian, Spanish

  * Acute suicidality
  * Not interested in PRISMA and its randomized evaluation

Where this trial is running

Zurich, Canton of Zurich

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.
Conditions Psychological DistressAnxietyDepressionSuicidal IdeationPRISMApsychological interventionpsychological distressinmates
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.