Join the STAR Study!
The Department of Psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine is conducting a research study to evaluate treatment options for adolescents with co-occurring trauma and substance use. Click below to see if you or your teen might be eligible!
Fast Facts
13-19 years old
have experienced a traumatic event
substance use in the past month
Compensation Provided
Must live in Colorado
Conducted via Zoom, in person, or a combination of both
Study Background
Our researchers invite you to join the STAR (Substance, Trauma, and Recovery) Study! This research study is focused on teens who have symptoms of trauma and are also using substances like drugs or alcohol. We want to address both issues at the same time using an integrative treatment.
During the study, we will compare two evidence-based and integrative treatments, Risk Reduction Through Family Therapy (RRFT) and Encompass. Research visits and weekly therapy visits can be conducted via Zoom, in person, or a combination of both.
Your participation in this study may help researchers improve treatment approaches for other teens in the future. Help advance research today and join our compensated study!
Study Background
Our researchers invite you to join the STAR (Substance, Trauma, and Recovery) Study! This research study is focused on teens who have symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and are also using substances like drugs or alcohol. We want to address both issues at the same time using an integrative treatment.
During the study, we will compare two evidence-based and integrative treatments, Risk Reduction Through Family Therapy (RRFT) and Encompass. Participants in the study will complete interviews and questionnaires with trained research staff, and will be randomly assigned to one of these two weekly outpatient treatment interventions, approximately 16-20 sessions each.
Your participation in this study may help researchers improve treatment approaches for other teens in the future. Help advance research today and join our compensated study!
Additional Information
You or your teen may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Key Criteria for Teen Participants:
- 13-19 years old
- Have experienced a traumatic event in their lifetime
- Symptoms of trauma
- Substance use (drugs or alcohol) in the past 28 days
- Willing to participate with an adult caregiver
- English-speaking
Key Criteria for Caregivers:
- English or Spanish speaking
- Willingness to participate in the study with your teen
Participation in the study lasts about one year and includes:
- Baseline: Eligible teens will complete a Baseline visit (over Zoom) with their caregivers. The Baseline visits consist of completing informed consent and psychological assessments/surveys with both the teen and the caregiver.
- Weekly Therapy: If eligible after the Baseline visit, the teen will be randomly assigned to RRFT or Encompass and will participate in weekly therapy sessions. The parent/caregiver will participate in therapy sessions as clinically indicated.
- Research Visits: After completing the Baseline visit, the teen and caregiver will complete 3 research visits at 3-months, 6-months, and 12-months. The 3 follow up visits are conducted over Zoom and last about 2 hours each.
