Youth Treatment and Evaluation of Anxiety and Mood (Y-TEAM) Program

PTSD Treatment Study

What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

PTSD is a disorder that can affect children and adolescents who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic or life-threatening event, such as:

  • A natural disaster
  • A bad accident or fire
  • Seeing someone get killed or badly hurt
  • Being attacked or physically/emotionally/sexually abused by someone
  • A life-threatening illness
  • The sudden death of a loved one

After exposure to one of these events, Individuals with PTSD may experience bad dreams, disturbing thoughts and feelings, avoidance of places or people that remind them of the event, or memories related to the event.

What Does the Study Involve?

Interpersonal Psychotherapy is an effective treatment for adolescents with depression and for adults with PTSD as demonstrated in a recent study. We aim to investigate the use of Interpersonal Psychotherapy for adolescents suffering from PTSD or elevated PTSD symptoms.

Participation includes:

  • A thorough diagnostic evaluation to determine if your teen is eligible for the study
  • A full course of Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Adolescents (IPT-A; 14 – 16 weeks)
  • Teens that have shown reduced symptoms after treatment with IPT-A will receive 3 months of once a month maintenance treatment

All study procedures will be provided at no cost to you. Families may receive compensation of up to $200 for their participation in the study. 

Who is Eligible to Participate?

Youth aged 13 – 18 years who are struggling with PTSD or elevated PTSD symptoms and are currently NOT receiving treatment for depression and/or PTSD.

Interested in Learning More About This Research Study?

We are happy to answer any questions you may have!

Please Contact

Alison Pedowitz

Phone: 646-774-5793

Email:  CUYTEAM@nyspi.columbia.edu