Group Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for incarcerated adults with PTSD
Official title: PTSD Treatment for Incarcerated Men and Women: Arnold Ventures (AV)
Run by University of Wisconsin, Madison · NCT07283757 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will try group Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) with incarcerated adults who have PTSD to see if it reduces PTSD symptoms and disciplinary incidents.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 900 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Wisconsin, Madison Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Madison, Wisconsin) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 22, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 2029 |
| Study ends | December 2029 |
| Registry record updated | January 30, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07283757 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are incarcerated adults (18+) who meet PCL-5 criteria for current PTSD, can consent and participate in group therapy, have no active psychosis or suicidal intent, and are not scheduled for release before the treatment ends.
✕Probably not a fit
People with active psychosis, active suicidal intent, imminent release before treatment completion, or who cannot or will not participate in group therapy are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional project enrolls incarcerated adults with current PTSD and assigns them to group CPT or a waitlist control that receives CPT later, with up to 692 participants planned (enrollment may reach ~900 to account for attrition). Participants complete informed consent and screening, join weekly group CPT sessions, and are followed for outcomes including PTSD symptom severity, prison conduct reports, and longer-term recidivism for up to 24 weeks. The protocol excludes people with active psychosis or active suicidal intent, those scheduled for release before treatment completion, and individuals who previously participated in the UW CPT groups. Data from multiple correctional sites will be pooled to determine whether group CPT can change in-prison behavior and post-release outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, group CPT could reduce PTSD symptoms, lower in-prison misconduct, and help decrease future reoffending after release.
How similar studies have gone: CPT is well-established in community and veteran populations and small pilot studies in correctional settings have shown promise, but larger randomized evaluations in incarcerated groups remain limited.
Who can join: the full rules
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 * 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 * have not participated in the previous CPT groups with UW project
Where it's running
-
Psychiatric Institute and Clinic
Madison, Wisconsin, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Michael R Koenigs, PhD — University of Wisconsin, Madison
- Study coordinator: Michael R Koenigs, PhD
- Email: mrkoenigs@wisc.edu
- Phone: (608) 263-1679
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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.