Program for Alleviating and Resolving Trauma and Stress 1

This single-arm pilot study (Phase 1) will test the preliminary efficacy of a virtually delivered, live-online 16-week group model of Internal Family Systems (IFS) for individuals with PTSD, called the PARTS program, on PTSD symptoms measured by Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5). In addition, feasibility, acceptability, and effects on self-report PTSD and disturbances of self-organization (DSO) will be secondary outcomes.

The investigators will conduct a single-arm pilot study to test the preliminary efficacy of a virtually delivered, live-online 16-week group model of Internal Family Systems (IFS) for individuals with PTSD, called the PARTS program, on PTSD symptoms measured by Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5).

Secondary outcomes include feasibility and acceptability of the PARTS program measured by a Credibility/Expectancy Questionnaire (CEQ) and Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire. Secondary clinical outcomes include the effects of the PARTS program on self-report PTSD and disturbances of self-organization (DSO). Exploratory aims of the study are to investigate the effects on emotion regulation (DERS), self-trauma fusion (iPRISM-trauma), disassociation (MDI), depression (CAT-DI), self-compassion (SCS-SF), perceived stress (PSS), mindfulness (TMS), and interception (MAIA-2). Additional exploratory outcomes include changes in outcome variables among PTSD subjects with baseline DSO and those without DSO as defined by the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ).

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria

To qualify for inclusion in this study, a prospective participant must:

1. Be 18-70 years of age for the duration of the study;
2. Able to bill insurance for group psychotherapy and individual psychotherapy at CHA;
3. Be a current patient of CHA primary care, behavioral health care or CHA MindWell;
4. Have a current diagnosis of PTSD OR a CAT-MH PTSD measure P-CAT\>58;
5. Have sufficient English fluency and literacy skills to understand the consent process, procedures and questionnaires and have the ability to provide written informed consent;
6. Have access to the internet and an electronic device with adequate data capacity; to complete questionnaires online and attend online videoconference groups;
7. Must be available and willing to attend the scheduled online group sessions for 16 weeks; and
8. Must be available and willing to complete the online computerized assessments and phone interviews.

Exclusion Criteria

Any and all of the following criteria will exclude a prospective participant from the study:

1. Inability to complete an informed consent assessment AND/OR inability to complete baseline study assessment procedures (due to cognitive deficit, non- proficiency in English literacy, or for any other reason);
2. Current participation in another experimental research study;
3. Expected medical hospitalization in the next six months from enrollment period;
4. Expected incarceration in the next six months from enrollment period;
5. Individuals who are pregnant with a due date within 26 weeks after study consent;
6. Insufficient level of severity of PTSD symptoms: PTSD score of less than 33 on the PTSD Checklist for DSM-V (PCL-5) at screening visit;
7. Inability to participate safely in the study intervention and without disrupting the group (in the opinion of principal investigator OR meeting any of the following criteria):

   * Past year history of a psychotic disorder or clinician confirmed active psychosis (Severe level of psychosis on PSY-S-CAT \> 60 will trigger the requirement of a clinical assessment prior to participation in the program)
   * Bipolar I disorder history or severe level of mania on CAT-M/HM (\>70)
   * Acute suicidality or self-injurious behavior
   * Severe depression, indicated by CAT-DI PHQ-9 equivalency score \>20
   * Acute homicidality with plan and/or intent;
   * Hospitalization for suicide attempt or self-harm within three months of the enrollment period;
   * Severe Borderline Personality Disorder or other severe personality disorder that may lead to disruptions within the group; and/or
   * Moderate or severe Substance Use Disorder.