Prison PTSD therapy aims to cut drug use and crime after release
NCT ID NCT06923423
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a trauma-focused group therapy (CPT-CJ) given in prison can reduce drug use, PTSD symptoms, and re-arrest after release. 640 incarcerated adults from about 10 prisons will either receive the group therapy or a self-help workbook. Researchers will also measure costs and how well the therapy can be put into practice.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 640 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jul 2025
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years of age or older * Able to understand and speak English * Able to give informed consent * All items listed in "Inclusion criteria for all participants" * Be currently incarcerated in one of the prisons that have partnered as study sites * Have met criteria for a drug use disorder in the year prior to their current incarceration (≥ 2 symptoms on a DSM-5 drug use disorder checklist) * Have used drugs in the 30 days prior to their current incarceration * Have a history of traumatic event exposure * Endorse clinically significant posttraumatic stress symptoms (score ≥ 4 on the Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5; PC-PTSD-5) * Expect to be incarcerated for at least long enough to complete CPT-CJ as it is being implemented at the particular site (i.e., anticipated to be \~3 months, but will depend on dates associated with next available intervention group) * Expect to be released from prison within 12 months following the end of treatment (i.e., within \~15 months of the pre-treatment assessment) * Willing to consent to randomization to treatment condition Exclusion criteria for prisoners (additional requirements assessed during pre-treatment assessments or indicated by prison staff; will result in being withdrawn from the study prior to randomization by the PI): * Unable to provide any locator information for post-release assessments * Determined to be releasing sooner than would allow the individual to complete CPT-CJ * Determined to have an unavoidable scheduling conflict or facility restriction (e.g., disciplinary, medical) that would prevent participation in CPT-CJ. Of note, if the scheduling conflict or facility restriction is expected to resolve following the next round of randomization at the study site, the participant may be put on "hold for next round" status rather than withdrawn unless other exclusionary criteria would be met by that time (e.g., release).
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
6 sites. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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East Central Arkansas Community Correction Center
RECRUITINGWest Memphis, Arkansas, 72301, United States
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Heart River Correctional Center (HRCC)
RECRUITINGBismarck, North Dakota, 58502, United States
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North Dakota State Penitentiary (NDSP)
RECRUITINGBismarck, North Dakota, 58501, United States
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Northeast Arkansas Community Corrections Center (NEACC)
RECRUITINGOsceola, Arkansas, 72370, United States
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Southwest Arkansas Community Correction Center
RECRUITINGTexarkana, Arkansas, 71854, United States
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University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
NOT_YET_RECRUITINGLittle Rock, Arkansas, 72205, United States
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