Group Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for incarcerated adults with PTSD
PTSD Treatment for Incarcerated Men and Women: Arnold Ventures (AV)
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 900 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Wisconsin, Madison Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Madison, Wisconsin) |
| Trial ID | NCT07283757 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Madison, Wisconsin
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.