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Intensive Multi-Couple Therapy for PTSD Versus Relationship Education in Military Couples

Randomized Controlled Trial of Intensive Multi-Couple Therapy for PTSD Versus Relationship Education in Military Couples

Who can join

Ages 18 and older · All sexes

Inclusion Criteria:

* Service member or veteran and a romantic partner willing to participate.
* Couple is married or cohabiting for at least 3 months. Couple can be either different or same sex.
* Service member/veteran diagnosis of PTSD as determined by the CAPS-5.
* Each partner is at least 18 years old.
* Both partners able to speak and read English.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Either partner reports current suicidal ideation severe enough to warrant immediate attention
* Current homicide risk meriting crisis intervention for either partner
* Current and severe alcohol misuse in either partner warranting immediate intervention
* Symptoms of moderate to severe other substance use warranting immediate intervention
* Recent (past month) manic episode or psychotic disorder symptoms in either partner
* Other psychiatric disorders severe enough to warrant designation as the primary disorder
* Evidence of a moderate or severe traumatic brain injury or other cognitive impairment in either partner
* Couple is separated or have taken steps to dissolve their relationship
* Either partner is currently participating in evidence-based treatment for PTSD (e.g., Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Present-Centered Therapy for PTSD, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD, or Structured Approach Therapy).
* Evidence or admission of severe intimate aggression by either partner occurring within the past 6-months.

About the study

The goal of this clinical trial is to test an abbreviated, intensive, multi-couple group version of cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy for PTSD (AIM-CBCT for PTSD) in an active military and veteran population. The main questions it aims to answer are:

* Does AIM-CBCT for PTSD improve PTSD symptoms? * Does AIM-CBCT for PTSD improve associated symptoms (e.g., depression), romantic partner distress, and couple relationship satisfaction?

Participants will participate in a two-day retreat in which they are taught and practice skills to decrease PTSD symptoms and enhance their relationships. Researchers will compare AIM-CBCT for PTSD to the Prevention and Relationship Education Program (PREP) to determine whether it is superior to an evidence-based relationship education curriculum that is also delivered in a two-day multi-couple group format.

What is being tested

• Abbreviated, Intensive, Multi-Couple Group Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD (behavioral)
• Prevention and Relationship Education Program (behavioral)

Sponsor: Penn State University · Participants: 120 · Started: Sep 15, 2023

Contact the study team

• Steffany J Fredman, Ph.D. · Phone: 781-879-9758
• Alan L Peterson, Ph.D. · Phone: (210) 562-6700

Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT06047691

Locations in the U.S.

Conditions

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.