Self-guided therapy to help reduce child sexual abuse material use
Official title: Evaluation of an Online Self-Help Program for CSAM
Run by The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre · NCT06778044 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a self-guided therapy program to help people who feel urges to use child sexual abuse material learn to manage those urges and reduce their use.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Ottawa and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 15, 2025 |
| Main results expected | November 2025 |
| Study ends | November 2025 |
| Registry record updated | January 27, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06778044 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who have recently used or felt urges to use CSAM.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are younger than 18 or have not experienced urges to use CSAM in the last six months may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This intervention focuses on providing self-guided cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to individuals who have used or experienced urges to use child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The program aims to offer anonymous support to help participants develop skills to manage their urges and reduce their engagement with CSAM. The study will involve participants using the ReDirection program, with some placed on a waitlist for comparison. The goal is to address a significant global issue by providing accessible mental health resources to those in need.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce the incidence of CSAM use and provide a pathway for individuals seeking help.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research specifically targeting CSAM use, similar anonymous intervention programs for paraphilic disorders have shown promise in other contexts.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years of age or older * Able to read and understand English or Spanish * Have used or experienced urges to use CSAM within the last six months Exclusion Criteria: * Younger than 18 years of age * Unable to read and understand English or Spanish * Have not used or experienced urges to use CSAM within the last six months
Where it's running
-
University of Ottawa Integrated Mental Health Research at The Royal
Ottawa, Canada Recruiting -
Protect Children NGO
Helsinki, Finland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Carissa Augustyn, PhD — The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre
- Study coordinator: Carissa Augustyn, PhD
- Email: redirectionprogram@proton.me
- Phone: 780-497-5003
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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.