Former inmates lead trauma therapy in promising new study

NCT ID NCT06019767

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Wisconsin, Madison Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jul 21, 2026 · Updated 3 times

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.

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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.

PTSD

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Wisconsin

Madison, Wisconsin, 53705, United States

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