The goal of this study is to compare two evidence-based treatments (Person-Centered Therapy or COPE-A) for teens who experience symptoms related to a stressful or traumatic experience and who also use substances. Eventually, the data from this research will help improve treatments for future teens in similar situations.

The treatments being investigated are talk therapies. There is no medication involved in this study.

You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:

• Ages 13-17
• Experiencing symptoms related to a traumatic event, such as upsetting memories, nightmares, or avoiding reminders of something that happened
• Have used alcohol, marijuana/weed, pills not prescribed to you, or other drugs in the past 2 months
• Open to making changes to your substance use
• Have a parent or legal guardian who is able to consent to participation

The entire study can be completed virtually. The main part of the study involves 12 therapy sessions that last 60-90 minutes each.

Baseline Visit

• First, you’ll complete a baseline visit to confirm if the study will be a good fit for you
• This visit will last 2-3 hours

Therapy Sessions

• If you are eligible for the study, you’ll be randomly assigned to one of two virtual therapies: Person-Centered Therapy or COPE-A
• You’ll complete 12 individual virtual therapy sessions with a therapist (once or twice a week)
• No medication involved

Daily Surveys

• Throughout the study, you’ll get notifications on your phone asking you to complete brief 1-2 minute surveys
• At different timepoints in the study, you’ll be asked to complete brief surveys on your phone

Follow-Up Visits

• After therapy ends, you’ll have 3 virtual follow-up visits, each about 1 hour
• These visits include surveys and a clinical interview

In addition to receiving 12 no-cost therapy sessions with a trained, licensed therapist, participants will receive $500 for completing all study tasks.

There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.