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
Symptoms of Trauma + Substance Use in the Past Month
13-19 Years Old
Compensation Provided
Conducted in Colorado
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 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!
Additional Information
The purpose of this research study is to evaluate treatment options for adolescents with co-occurring trauma and substance use. This study aims to compare two evidence-based and integrative treatments, Risk Reduction Through Family Therapy (RRFT) and Encompass.
You or your teen may qualify for the study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria for Teen Participants:
- 13-19 years old
- Have experienced a traumatic event in their lifetime
- Symptoms of trauma
- Have used alcohol or non-tobacco drug in the past month
- Willing to participate with an adult caregiver
- English-speaking
Inclusion Criteria for Caregivers:
- English or Spanish speaking
- Willing 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 visit consists of completing informed consent and psychological assessments/surveys with both the teen and 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.
Compensation is provided up to $500 per family or $250 per individual.
There may be costs associated with taking part in this study depending on the kind of insurance or behavioral health benefits your family has. We do accept uninsured individuals, Medicaid, and multiple insurance options for the treatment. Any out-of-pocket expenses, such as insurance co-pays, would be the same as any treatment received that is not associated with the STAR study. For more information regarding insurance and payment options, please reach out to the study staff.