RecruitingInterventional

Clinical trial of digitally enabled cognitive therapy for PTSD in NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression services

This study explores a new way to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) using an online program called iCT-PTSD. Many people struggle to access traditional therapy due to therapist shortages or fitting appointments into their busy lives. iCT-PTSD allows patients to work through a guided online course from home, with support from an NHS therapist over video or phone. Previous research suggests this online therapy is helpful. This clinical trial will compare iCT-PTSD to standard NHS treatment for PTSD. The aim is to understand how well the online program works, how people like it, its cost-effectiveness, and how much therapist time it requires. This will help decide if it should be more widely available in the NHS.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Oxford

Enrolment target

240

Start

24 Nov 2025

Estimated completion

31 Mar 2027

Posttraumatic stress disorder

What is this study about?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a difficult mental health problem that can happen after someone experiences very stressful events. It can last a long time and make daily life very challenging. While there are effective treatments, many people find it hard to get the help they need. This might be because there aren't enough therapists, or because it's difficult to attend weekly appointments during working hours.

This study is testing a new type of therapy called iCT-PTSD, which is an online version of a well-known and effective PTSD treatment. Instead of going to a clinic for long sessions, you would use an engaging online program from your home or another comfortable place, whenever suits you. An NHS therapist would still support you, but their sessions might be shorter and done by video call or phone, as you'd learn a lot from the online course itself. This makes it more flexible and easier to access for many people.

The main goal of this trial is to see how this online therapy compares to the usual face-to-face treatment for PTSD offered by the NHS. Researchers will look at how much people's symptoms improve, their quality of life, how many people recover, and how satisfied both patients and therapists are with the online approach. This information is very important because it will help the NHS decide whether to offer this online therapy more widely across the UK.

Key takeaways

This study compares an online PTSD therapy (iCT-PTSD) with usual NHS treatment.
iCT-PTSD offers therapy through an online program from home, with therapist support by video/phone.
You'll be randomly assigned to either the online therapy or usual NHS care.
Participation involves filling out questionnaires about your symptoms and experiences over time.
The goal is to see how effective and acceptable the online therapy is for the NHS.
The study is run by the University of Oxford and funded by the NIHR.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be an adult (18 years or older) receiving treatment for PTSD from one of the participating NHS Talking Therapies services. Your PTSD must be your main concern you want to work on in therapy.

You'll also need access to an internet-enabled device, like a computer or tablet, at home or a safe place, with a reliable internet connection. You should also have a mobile phone that can get text messages. It's important that you can speak, read, and write in English.

There are a few reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. If your PTSD symptoms are very mild, or if you are at an immediate risk of self-harm, or if you have a current problem with substance dependence, this study wouldn't be right for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Is PTSD your main problem you want help with right now?
Do you get treatment from an NHS Talking Therapies service that's part of this study?
Do you have a reliable internet connection and an internet-ready device (like a tablet or computer) at home?
Can you speak, read, and write in English?
Are you willing to be put into a treatment group by chance (either online or usual NHS care)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you'll be put into one of two groups by chance, like flipping a coin. You'll either receive the online iCT-PTSD treatment with support from an NHS therapist, or you'll receive the usual NHS treatment from an NHS therapist. Neither you nor the researchers will choose which group you are in.

Throughout the study, you'll be asked to fill out questionnaires about your symptoms, thoughts, ways of coping, and how you feel about your quality of life. These will be done at the start, and then again at about 22 weeks, 44 weeks, and 66 weeks after you start, and at the very end of your treatment if that's later. You'll also be asked once how much you believe in the treatment you're getting and how satisfied you are with it and with your therapist. Some people might also be invited for a chat (interview) to talk about their experiences with the online treatment. The study is expected to run from March 2024 to December 2028.

Potential risks and benefits

All people taking part in this study will receive a tried and tested psychological treatment for PTSD, and the NHS therapists involved are well-trained and supervised. While there's no guarantee that everyone will feel better, these treatments have a good track record. It's important to know that talking about and reflecting on difficult experiences, as needed in PTSD treatment, can sometimes be challenging and might temporarily make you feel more distressed. However, facing these challenges is a key part of recovery and your treatment will be tailored to you and your needs. You are always free to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual NHS care.

Locations (4)

Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Oxford, United Kingdom
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Approximate
Hatfield, United Kingdom
Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Manchester, United Kingdom
Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
City only
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is PTSD?

PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a difficult mental health condition that can develop after someone experiences or witnesses a very stressful or traumatic event.

What is iCT-PTSD?

iCT-PTSD is an online version of an effective therapy for PTSD. You access a program from home on a computer or tablet, supported by an NHS therapist through video or phone calls.

Will I still have a therapist?

Yes, even with the online program (iCT-PTSD), you will still have an NHS therapist who will support you through your treatment.

How long will the study last for me?

You will have assessments at the start and then at about 22, 44, and 66 weeks after you begin treatment, or at the end of your therapy if that's later.

Who is paying for this study?

This study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in the UK.

How to find out more

Donna Winston

donna.winston@psy.ox.ac.uk +44 1865281382 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.