Can talk therapy tame PTSD behind bars?

NCT ID NCT07283757

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

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

Summary

This study tests whether Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), a talk therapy used in the community, can reduce PTSD symptoms and rule-breaking in incarcerated men and women. About 900 participants from 6 prisons will attend 8–12 therapy sessions over up to 24 weeks. Researchers will track conduct reports and PTSD symptom scores to see if the therapy helps.

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 (a type of talk therapy)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could provide an effective, evidence-based PTSD treatment tailored for incarcerated populations, potentially reducing violence and substance use in prisons.
What could go wrong: This is a behavioral intervention study without a control group, so results may be influenced by other factors. The prison environment may limit participation or adherence, and benefits seen in community settings may not fully translate.

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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

Psychiatric Institute and Clinic
RECRUITING

Madison, Wisconsin, 53719, United States

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