NCT07217795 · University of Rhode Island
Recovery Through Inhibitory Learning, Self-Efficacy Building, Problem Solving, and Community Building
(RISE)
What this study is about
This is a two-part study to develop and test a brief, virtual therapy program for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people who have experienced trauma and use alcohol. Phase 1: You'll be invited to share your perspective to help make the program relevant, inclusive, and affirming.
View original scientific description
This is a two-part study to develop and test a brief, virtual therapy program for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people who have experienced trauma and use alcohol. Phase 1: You'll be invited to share your perspective to help make the program relevant, inclusive, and affirming. Phase 2: You may have the opportunity to try the adapted program by receiving free virtual therapy with LGBTQ+-affirming therapists.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
CBT + expressive writing
This study will test a remotely delivered intervention combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Expressive Writing (EW) to address unhealthy alcohol use and traumatic stress among sexual minority women (SMW; e.g., lesbian, bisexual women) and transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals. The intervention, called Recovery through Inhibitory Learning, Self-Efficacy Building, Problem-Solving, and Community Building (RISE), integrates CBT modules on assertiveness, problem-solving in high-risk situations, and building social connections with a brief EW program tailored to SMW and TGD participants. Four modules from the Unified Protocol (UP), a transdiagnostic CBT approach, will be adapted: (1) psychoeducation, goal setting, and motivational enhancement; (2) mindful emotional awareness; (3) cognitive flexibility; and (4) countering emotion-driven behaviors.
BEHAVIORAL
Wait-List Control
Participants assigned to the wait-list will not receive active treatment during the study period but will be offered the RISE intervention afterward.
Primary outcome measures
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Diagnosis and Severity using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5)
Time frame: Baseline: Past 30 days 1-week Follow-up: Past 1 week
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) will be assessed using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5), a clinician-administered interview that evaluates Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) PTSD criteria. It provides both a total severity score (0-80) and a dichotomous diagnosis (present/absent). Units of Measure: Total score (0-80); diagnosis status (yes/no)
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Severity using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5)
Time frame: Baseline: Past 30 days 1-week Follow-up: Past 1 week
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptom severity will be assessed using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), a 20-item self-report measure. Items are rated on a 5-point Likert scale from 0 ("Not at all") to 4 ("Extremely"), with a total score range of 0-80; higher scores indicate greater PTSD symptom severity. A score of 33 or higher suggests probable PTSD. Units of Measure: Total score (0-80).
Hazardous drinking levels
Time frame: Baseline: Past 3 months 1-week Follow-up: Past 1 week
Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 - Substance Use Disorders Module (SCID-5-SUD) Description: Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 - Substance Use Disorders Module (SCID-5-SUD) will be used to assess the presence and severity of substance use disorders (SUDs). The SCID-5-SUD is a semi-structured clinical interview administered by trained personnel to determine whether a participant meets Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) diagnostic criteria for a substance use disorder (e.g., alcohol, cannabis, opioids, stimulants). For each substance, the SCID-5-SUD evaluates 11 diagnostic criteria, including impaired control, social impairment, risky use, and pharmacological indicators. Severity is categorized based on the number of criteria endorsed: mild (2-3), moderate (4-5), or severe (6 or more). Units of Measure: Dichotomous diagnosis status (yes/no); severity level (mild, moderate, severe) if applicable
Change in average weekly drinking quantity
Time frame: Baseline: Past 30 days 1-week Follow-up: Past 1 week
The Timeline Followback (TLFB) method will be used to assess daily alcohol consumption over the past 30 days. Participants report the number of standard drinks consumed each day, using a calendar-assisted structured interview format. Data are used to calculate total number of drinking days, total drinks consumed, average drinks per drinking day, and number of heavy drinking days (4+ drinks for women, 5+ for men). This measure provides a reliable estimate of recent alcohol use patterns and is widely used in clinical and research settings. Units of Measure: Number of drinking days, total drinks, drinks per drinking day,
Change in heavy drinking frequency
Time frame: Baseline: Past 30 days 1-week Follow-up: Past 1 week
Description: Alcohol use will be assessed using a six-item self-report measure evaluating past-week drinking frequency, quantity, and risky use. Items include: frequency of drinking (scored 0-6), maximum number of drinks in 24 hours (scored 1-10), typical number of drinks per drinking day (scored 1-10), total number of drinks per week (scored 1-11), and frequency of binge drinking (defined as 4 or more drinks in one occasion) and high-intensity drinking (defined as 8 or more drinks in one occasion), both scored 0-6. In addition, the Timeline Followback (TLFB) method will be used to assess daily alcohol use over the past 30 days. The TLFB captures number of drinking days, total number of drinks, average drinks per drinking day, and number of heavy drinking days. Units of Measure: Item scores range 0-6, 1-10, or 1-11; TLFB outcomes include days and number of drinks.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Aim 1: Providers -Not meeting inclusion criteria Aim 2: Sexual Minority Women and Transgender and Gender Diverse Individuals
- Not meeting inclusion criteria OR any of the following:
- Reporting current mental health treatment ≥1 day/month
- Receiving Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in the past 3 months (note: participants are not ineligible if they seek concomitant care after enrollment)
- Reporting current alcohol or drug use disorder treatment, except mutual self-help (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous) or current PTSD/trauma-focused treatment
- Need for alcohol detoxification, defined as score ≥15 on the adapted self-report Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol - Revised (CIWA-Ar)
- Active psychosis, defined as score ≥1 on the psychosis subscale of the Behavior and Symptom Identification Scale - Revised (BASIS-R)
- Active mania, defined as score ≥6 on the Altman Self-Rating Mania Scale (ASRM)
- Active suicidality, defined as score ≥22 on the Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale (SIDAS)
- Currently legally mandated to attend treatment
Where
- Providence, Rhode Island
Collaborators
Rhode Island Foundation
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Dec 9, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations