Peer-led Trauma Therapy for Re-entry

The purpose of the research is to learn more about how to treat PTSD for people directly impacted by incarceration (i.e., have spent time in prison or jail). This research will help identify if a PTSD treatment group that is used in community settings, and led by individuals with lived experience, is helpful in reducing PTSD symptoms among people who have been directly impacted by incarceration. Participants will complete an interview to determine whether they are experiencing PTSD, and if so, will participate in a 6-week therapy group treatment.

Two community Certified Peer Specialists (CPSs) who have experienced incarceration and re-entry from prison, and who have experienced trauma will be trained on delivering group Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Working with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and community organizations serving formerly incarcerated individuals, researchers will screen individuals for PTSD treatment need, and invite 48 eligible individuals to participate in group CPT co-led by one of the trained CPSs and a trained community therapist or provider. Eligible participants who are enrolled in the study will be invited to complete a 6-week (12 sessions total) group CPT therapy treatment for PTSD. Participants will also complete pre-, mid-, and post-treatment mental health surveys. Participants will also complete a post-treatment focus group or post-treatment individual interview where they are asked about their experience in the therapy and to provide feedback on the study as a whole.