Using art therapy to improve emotional well-being in military personnel with PTSD
Official title: Art Therapy and Emotional Well Being in Military Populations With Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms
Run by Walter Reed National Military Medical Center · NCT05414708 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether art therapy can help military personnel with PTSD feel better emotionally and improve their mental health.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 64 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Federal |
| Locations | 2 sites (Bethesda, Maryland and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 1, 2022 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2027 |
| Registry record updated | January 8, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05414708 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include active duty service members or veterans separated within the last five years who exhibit significant posttraumatic stress symptoms.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of severe brain injury, psychotic disorders, or those unable to undergo MRI scans 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 research explores the effects of art therapy on emotional expression and regulation in military service members experiencing posttraumatic stress symptoms. Participants will attend ten sessions over twelve weeks, including initial and final assessments with MRI scans and self-questionnaires. The middle sessions will consist of one-hour art therapy sessions led by a certified art therapist. The study aims to understand the neurological impacts of art therapy on emotional health in this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a novel therapeutic approach to improve emotional well-being and reduce PTSD symptoms in military personnel.
How similar studies have gone: While art therapy is widely used in military settings, this specific approach to studying its neurological effects is relatively novel and has limited prior research backing.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * DEERS Eligible * Active Duty or Veteran separated within the past 10 years * Significant posttraumatic stress symptoms (score of \>/=31 on the PCL-5) Exclusion Criteria: * History of moderate, severe, or penetrating brain injury * History of psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, or active suicidal or homicidal ideation * History of multiple sclerosis, Huntington's disease, or Alzheimer's disease * History of stroke or myocardial infarction * History of brain tumor * History of seizures * Contradictions for MRI (for example, participants will be excluded for pregnancy, metal implants or suspected shrapnel, aneurysm/intracranial clips, cardiac pacemakers or implanted programmable devices or pumps) * Unable to provide informed consent * History of previous exposure to art therapy * Active substance use disorder
Where it's running
-
National Intrepid Center of Excellence
Bethesda, Maryland, United States Recruiting -
ISC at Fort Belvoir
Fort Belvoir, Virginia, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Chandler Rhodes, PhD — Wrnmmc
- Study coordinator: Chandler Rhodes, Ph.D.
- Email: chandler.s.rhodes.civ@health.mil
- Phone: 301-400-3638
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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.