Family coping resources intervention for PTSD

Strengthening Family Coping Resources Open Trials

University of Maryland, Baltimore · NCT01754610

This study tests a program that helps families affected by trauma learn better coping skills to see if it can reduce PTSD symptoms in both kids and their parents.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment500 (estimated)
Ages1 Year to 17 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Maryland, Baltimore (other)
Locations1 site (Baltimore, Maryland)
Trial IDNCT01754610 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The Strengthening Families Coping Resources (SFCR) intervention focuses on families affected by trauma, aiming to enhance coping skills and reduce PTSD symptoms in both children and adult caregivers. This observational study evaluates the effectiveness of a manualized, skills-based treatment delivered in a multi-family group format. Families will participate in sessions designed to improve communication, emotional regulation, and overall family functioning while addressing trauma-related issues. The study will assess changes in family dynamics, coping resources, and symptom reduction through pre- and post-evaluations.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include children aged 1 to 17 years who have experienced multiple traumas and have a partial diagnosis of PTSD, along with their caregivers.

Not a fit: Patients with active suicidal ideation, severe mental health issues, or unstable living conditions may not benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the mental health and coping abilities of families dealing with trauma.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using family-based interventions for trauma, suggesting that this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Children aged 1 through 17 years old at the time of recruitment
* Child and family exposed to multiple traumas
* a partial diagnosis of PTSD (15-week treatment version)
* currently in the custody of a caregiver who agrees to participate in the study.
* a stable caregiving system as defined by a recent history of stability and unlikely to change in the next 6 months.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Children will be excluded only if they have active suicide ideation, an imminent risk for re-exposure due to their living environment, active psychosis, severe mental retardation or brain injury
* Parent/caregiver has active psychosis or is a danger to self/others.

Where this trial is running

Baltimore, Maryland

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: Intervention Effectiveness, Practice-based Evidence, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, family trauma, multi-family therapy, poverty

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.