Former inmates lead trauma therapy in promising new study

NCT ID NCT06019767

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether a group therapy program for PTSD, led by people who have themselves been incarcerated, is helpful and practical. Fifty-nine adults who had completed a prison or jail sentence and had PTSD symptoms took part in a 12-session cognitive processing therapy group. The main goals were to see if people would join, stay, and complete the program, and to measure changes in PTSD and depression symptoms.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Cognitive Processing Therapy (group therapy)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could provide an effective, accessible PTSD treatment option for people who have been incarcerated, led by peers who understand their experiences.

What could go wrong

This is a small, completed feasibility study (59 participants) without a control group, so it cannot prove the therapy works better than no treatment or other therapies. Results may not apply to all formerly incarcerated individuals.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for PTSD are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

post-traumatic stress disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University of Wisconsin

    Madison, Wisconsin, 53705, United States