Program to help mothers with PTSD and improve parenting skills

Treating Maternal PTSD to Enhance and Reduce Maltreatment Recidivism: Safe Mothers, Safe Children

NA · New York University · NCT04752618

This study is testing a new program to help mothers with PTSD improve their parenting skills and reduce the risk of harming their children.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment160 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorNew York University (other)
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT04752618 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of a combined intervention approach using Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR) and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) to treat maternal PTSD and reduce child maltreatment. It is a two-arm randomized controlled trial where participants are assigned to either the P-STAIR program or supportive counseling. Mothers participating in the study will undergo assessments at various stages, including pre-treatment, during treatment, and at a 6-month follow-up to measure symptom progress. The target population includes mothers with children aged 1-8 years who are receiving family preservation services.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are mothers with PTSD who have children aged 1-8 years and are receiving family preservation services.

Not a fit: Patients with severe substance use disorders, active psychosis, or those whose children have developmental conditions that impede functioning may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve mental health outcomes for mothers and enhance parenting skills, ultimately reducing child maltreatment.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using combined therapeutic approaches for treating PTSD and improving parenting skills, suggesting potential success for this intervention.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria (mothers):

* Receiving preventive services at the time of the consent session to participate in the study
* Meeting a severity score of 28 or higher OR probable DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for PTSD (PDS-5)
* Having 1-10-year-old child
* Being the legal guardian for the child with physical and legal custody
* Being able to read, write, and speak English or Spanish

Exclusion Criteria (mothers):

* Having suicidal ideation present in the past month prior to pre-assessment or reports of a suicide attempt in the past year (SCID-5)
* Meeting a diagnosis of severe substance or alcohol use disorder (≥ 6 symptoms on SCID) AND not in early remission (≥3 months without meeting any substance or alcohol use disorder criteria (except craving)
* Having current or active symptoms of psychosis in the past month
* Having a disability affecting communication, such as deafness
* Having an index child with a developmental condition that impedes cognitive and/or physical functioning, e.g. autism
* Having an index child with current symptoms or diagnosis of psychosis as defined by the DSM-5 in the past 3 months
* Experiencing current or history of intimate partner violence (IPV) or family violence:

If there is a history of IPV/family violence and the relationship is no longer active, the relationship must have ended for at least ninety days with no intention of restarting; If there is a history of IPV/family violence, but the relationship is ongoing, there must not have been an IPV/family violence event for at least one year

Inclusion criteria (clinicians):

\- Must be a currently or formerly hired Study Clinician or Clinical Director with Safe Mothers, Safe Children.

Exclusion criteria (clinicians):

\- There are no exclusion criteria for this population. Participants in this population will cease completion of therapist-copy measures upon the conclusion of their role with Safe Mothers, Safe Children, or upon withdrawal from participation in these measures.

Where this trial is running

New York, New York

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: PTSD, Depression, Child Maltreatment

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.