Side-by-Side Testing of SPARCS and the Unified Protocol for Youth with Chronic Illness and Trauma

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study uses a SMART design to compare two cognitive-behavioral therapies for youth aged 8-18 who have chronic medical conditions and trauma exposure. Participants start with SPIRIT screening and baseline assessments, then are randomized to receive SPARCS or UP in group or individual formats, with possible sequential treatments based on response. The goal is to identify which therapy, or combination, provides the greatest reduction in trauma symptoms and improvements in daily functioning. The trial also aims to understand how best to tailor treatment for youths who do not respond after an initial therapy. The SPIRIT program at Lurie Children's Hospital provides integrated trauma-informed care in a pediatric setting.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Youth (aged 8-18 years) who received a SPIRIT program psychological trauma screening and were deemed clinically appropriate for SPIRIT group therapy. Clinically appropriate means the youth can historically engage in a group setting (e.g., school, camp, therapy group) without significant disruption to the group process or other participants.
* Youth and parent/legal guardian are willing and able to provide informed consent/assent for randomization.
* Youth and parent/legal guardian are fluent in English or Spanish.
* Youth is not currently engaged in individual therapy at the time of enrollment (per patient/parent report).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Wards of the state or DCFS youth in care.
* Youth with reported or observed symptoms that would significantly impair group therapy engagement, including but not limited to: intellectual disability, moderate-to-severe autism spectrum disorder, active suicidal ideation, uncontrolled psychosis, or other acute psychiatric symptoms that could disrupt the group process.
* Regular use of alcohol or other substances that interfere with participation or disrupt the group process.
* Youth requiring immediate higher-level psychiatric care (e.g., intensive outpatient programming, partial hospitalization, inpatient psychiatric admission, or residential treatment) at the time of first randomization.

Where it's running

• Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
  Chicago, Illinois, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Anthony T. Vesco, PhD
• Email: avesco@luriechildrens.org
• Phone: 312-227-5075

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.