Actively Recruiting
Art Therapy and Emotional Well Being in Military Populations With Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms
Led by Walter Reed National Military Medical Center · Updated on 2026-01-08
40
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
52 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
W
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
Lead Sponsor
U
University of Pennsylvania
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying how art therapy affects emotional expression and regulation in military service members with posttraumatic stress symptoms. The study aims to understand the neurological systems involved by using brain scans and self-assessment questionnaires. This research is conducted within the Military Health System where art therapy is a common treatment but lacks thorough scientific evaluation. Participants will attend a total of eleven sessions over six to eight months. The first session includes an interview, self-assessment questionnaires, and a brain MRI scan while viewing neutral and negative images. Then, participants take part in eight one-hour individual art therapy sessions with a certified art therapist. The tenth session repeats the questionnaires and MRI scan, and the final session is a virtual interview conducted three months after the tenth visit. Throughout the study, participants will complete various questionnaires measuring symptoms and traits related to posttraumatic stress, anxiety, stress, and emotional regulation. Brain activity during tasks will be assessed through functional neuroimaging. The research also monitors potential emotional distress during sessions and collects qualitative feedback. Overall participation lasts up to eight months with follow-up to evaluate lasting effects.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Art Therapy and Emotional Well Being in Military Populations With Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- DEERS Eligible
- Active Duty or Veteran separated within the past 10 years
- Significant posttraumatic stress symptoms (score of /=31 on the PCL-5)
You will not qualify if you...
- History of moderate, severe, or penetrating brain injury
- History of psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, or active suicidal or homicidal ideation
- History of multiple sclerosis, Huntington's disease, or Alzheimer's disease
- History of stroke or myocardial infarction
- History of brain tumor
- History of seizures
- Contraindications for MRI, including pregnancy, metal implants, suspected shrapnel, aneurysm/intracranial clips, cardiac pacemakers, or implanted programmable devices or pumps
- Unable to provide informed consent
- History of previous exposure to art therapy
- Active substance use disorder
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 screening and enrollment visit (in-person)
Duration - 6 to 8 months
Participants attend individual art therapy sessions with a certified art therapist to explore emotional expression and regulation through art.
11 sessions including art therapy and assessments; sessions 2 through 9 are one-hour art therapy sessions
Duration - 3 months after treatment completion
Participants complete a virtual qualitative interview and some questionnaires three months after the tenth session to assess lasting effects.
1 virtual follow-up session
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
National Intrepid Center of Excellence
Bethesda, Maryland, United States, 20814
Actively Recruiting
2
ISC at Fort Belvoir
Fort Belvoir, Virginia, United States, 22060
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
C
Chandler Rhodes, Ph.D.
J
Julie Sakla, M.A.
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
1
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