Recruiting

A Comparative Effectiveness Study of PTSD Treatments Among Sexual and Gender Minority Populations

ClinicalTrials.gov IDNCT06367764

PhaseNA

Enrollment400

SponsorStanford University

Age18 Years

SexALL

I'm interested View official listing

Conditions studied

PTSD

About this study

The goal of this clinical trial is see if Cognitive Processing Therapy and STAIR Narrative Therapy work to treat posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual/aromantic, and all other sexual or gender minority (LGBTQIA+) adults. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Do these treatments reduce PTSD symptoms in LGBTQIA+ patients? * Do these treatments help improve quality of life and reduce depression in LGBTQIA+ patients? * Do stress from stigma and discrimination and drug/alcohol use change the impact of the treatment on PTSD symptoms? * Are LGBTQIA+ patients satisfied with these treatments? Do these treatments work differently among different groups within the LGBTQIA+ community? * Do LGBTQIA+ patients complete these treatments? Study participants will receive one of these two PTSD treatments. Participants will complete assessments before and after receiving treatment.

Interventions

Behavioral: Cognitive Processing Therapy — Cognitive Processing Therapy teaches cognitive restructuring skills to help clients change beliefs and process emotions related to a traumatic event or events.
Behavioral: STAIR Narrative Therapy — STAIR Narrative Therapy teaches coping skills (e.g., for emotional regulation, interpersonal relationships, everyday stress) and includes a narrative trauma-focused component.

Primary outcomes

Change in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Symptoms Measured by PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) (Months 0 (baseline), 3, 6, and 12)

Eligibility information

Inclusion Criteria: 1. 18 years of age or older 2. Currently live in California 3. Ability to understand study procedures and to comply with them for the entire length of the study 4. Ability to understand a written informed consent document and the willing to sign it 5. Ability to speak and read English or Spanish 6. Identify as a sexual and/or gender minority 7. Score 33 or higher on the PTSD Checklist-5 (PCL-5) 8. Interest in getting treatment for PTSD 9. Not be in another concurrent psychotherapy treatment (group or individual) for PTSD (psychotherapy treatment for non-PTSD conditions is allowed). 10. Able to attend treatment sessions in person in San Francisco or have access to a device that allows for treatment via videoconferencing. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Contraindication to any study-related procedure or assessment 2. Clinically significant impairment which interferes with ability to fully participate in the study (including symptoms of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, or other disorders) 3. Active suicidal intent

Study locations

Stanford University, Palo Alto, California 94304 United States
UCSF Alliance Health Project, San Francisco, California 94103 United States

Before you participate: Varda Clinical is an independent discovery tool, not the study sponsor or a medical provider. Eligibility can only be determined by the official study team. Discuss potential risks and benefits with a qualified healthcare professional.

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov. Record last refreshed by Varda Clinical: 2026-09-27.