Improving PTSD treatment in community health centers

Delivering Written Exposure Therapy for PTSD in Underserved Primary Care Settings

This study is testing a new, shorter therapy for PTSD to see if it helps people who visit community health centers feel better without the long wait times of traditional treatments.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 720 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: RAND (other)
• Locations: 10 sites (Albion, New York and 9 other locations)
• Trial ID: NCT05330442 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research focuses on addressing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among underserved populations in community health centers by implementing Written Exposure Therapy (WET) within a collaborative care model. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of delivering this brief therapy to patients with PTSD who visit Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). By integrating WET into primary care, the research seeks to overcome barriers associated with traditional, time-intensive PTSD treatments. The study will assess both the clinical outcomes for patients and the implementation process within the collaborative care framework.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who have scheduled or walk-in appointments at participating primary care centers and meet the criteria for PTSD.

Not a fit: Patients with active psychosis or high suicide risk may not benefit from this study due to the nature of the interventions and safety concerns.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a more accessible and effective treatment option for PTSD patients in primary care settings.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes for Written Exposure Therapy, indicating potential success for this novel application in primary care settings.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients will be included if they are 18 years of age or older, speak English or Spanish, have a scheduled or walk-in appointment with a participating primary care provider (PCP), have no obvious physical or cognitive impairment that would make them unable to complete the assessment (as indicated by confusion or inability to understand the questions), and consider the FQHC to be their usual source of care.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients will be excluded if they have active psychosis (as indicated by inability to concentrate, having delusions or hallucinations) or high suicide risk (as indicated by having a current plan or means).

Where this trial is running

Albion, New York and 9 other locations

• Oak Orchard Health Center (Albion) — Albion, New York, United States (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
• Brownsville Health Center (Genesis and Ashford - BGA) — Brooklyn, New York, United States (COMPLETED)
• Brownsville Health Center (Main) — Brooklyn, New York, United States (COMPLETED)
• Bedford Stuyvesant Family Health Center (Main) — Brooklyn, New York, United States (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
• Bedford Stuyvesant Family Health Center (Sterling and Broadway) — Brooklyn, New York, United States (RECRUITING)
• Oak Orchard Health (Pembroke) — Corfu, New York, United States (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
• Open Door Family Medical Center (Brewster/Ossining) — Ossining, New York, United States (COMPLETED)
• Open Door Family Medical Center (Mamaroneck//Port Chester) — Port Chester, New York, United States (COMPLETED)
• OIC Family Medical Center (Fairview) — Rocky Mount, North Carolina, United States (COMPLETED)
• OIC Family Medical Center (Happy Hill) — Rocky Mount, North Carolina, United States (COMPLETED)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: LISA S MEREDITH, PhD

Conditions: PTSD, brief psychotherapy, collaborative care, Federally Qualified Health Centers, primary care