Adolescent Trauma Therapy Research Study
Researchers at UT Health San Antonio are conducting a study on trauma therapy for teens who have experienced a traumatic event and are showing symptoms of posttraumatic stress.
Fast Facts
Experienced a Trauma & Have Symptoms of Stress
Ages 12-17 Years Old
Not Taking Psychiatric Medications
Compensation Provided up to $400 + No-Cost Therapy Sessions
Conducted in San Antonio, TX
Study Background
Join a study on trauma therapy and find relief from posttraumatic stress symptoms.
For teens ages 12-17 who have experienced trauma and are struggling with symptoms such as upsetting memories, difficulty sleeping, and irritability, this study offers a potential path toward healing. Researchers at UT Health San Antonio are using brain imaging to understand how psychotherapy improves symptoms of posttraumatic stress in adolescents. The study involves weekly therapy sessions, MRI scans, and assessments that will be done over the course of several months, with the option for virtual participation. The goal is to help teens manage their symptoms and improve their mental health.
This study offers parents an opportunity to support their child in receiving specialized care while also contributing to a better understanding of trauma and healing. The therapy and assessments are carefully designed with your child’s well-being in mind, and the research findings may lead to advancements in trauma care for young people.
Study Background
Join a study on trauma therapy and find relief from posttraumatic stress symptoms.
For teens ages 12-17 who have experienced trauma and are struggling with symptoms such as upsetting memories, difficulty sleeping, and irritability, this study offers a potential path toward healing. Researchers at UT Health San Antonio are using brain imaging to understand how psychotherapy improves symptoms of posttraumatic stress in adolescents. The study involves weekly therapy sessions, MRI scans, and assessments that will be done over the course of several months, with the option for virtual participation. The goal is to help teens manage their symptoms and improve their mental health.
This study offers parents an opportunity to support their child in receiving specialized care while also contributing to a better understanding of trauma and healing. The therapy and assessments are carefully designed with your child’s well-being in mind, and the research findings may lead to advancements in trauma care for young people.
Additional Information
This study is being conducted to better understand how trauma therapy affects the brain and to determine whether it can help teens recover from symptoms of posttraumatic stress. The researchers aim to use MRI scans to track changes in brain function and symptom improvement, with the goal of improving treatment options for youth experiencing trauma.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 12-17
- Experienced a traumatic event & struggle with intense distress
- Willing and able to attend no-cost, weekly therapy sessions
- Able to undergo MRI scans (no metal in the body, no claustrophobia)
- Live in the San Antonio, TX area
Exclusion Criteria:
- Diagnosed with cancer, epilepsy, or neurological disorder
- Taking any psychiatric medications
Initial Discussion and Consent
Participants will have a meeting to discuss the study, and you’ll both sign consent forms.
The participant will complete a brief questionnaire about their symptoms and history (this can be done virtually).
This visit takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Web-based Questionnaires
Participants will complete web-based questionnaires from home.
These are designed to gather more information about their symptoms.
The questionnaires take about 30 minutes to complete.
Clinical Interview
Participants will participate in a clinical interview to further discuss their symptoms and background (this can be done virtually).
This interview will last 2 to 3 hours.
MRI Scans
Participants will undergo 4 MRI scans over the course of the study.
Each MRI appointment is scheduled as a 2-hour visit, but the actual scan lasts about 45 minutes.
These MRI scans will be spaced 6 weeks apart and will help researchers track changes in brain function over time.
Weekly Therapy Sessions
Participants will attend weekly therapy sessions designed to help them manage their symptoms and heal from trauma.
These therapy sessions will last 1 hour each and can be done virtually.
Follow-up Interview
3 months after treatment is completed, your child will participate in a final virtual interview.
This interview will take about 30 minutes.
Participants will receive valuable therapy, undergo brain scans, and contribute to important research aimed at improving trauma care for other teens.
Qualified participants will receive compensation for their time and participation. Participants will receive $50 for the baseline assessment and $75 for first 3 MRIs, and $100 for the final assessment and MRI. There is also a $25 payment for a follow-up call three months after the study ends.
There is no cost to participate in our research study.