Our Process

  • Step 1: Phone Screen

    We will schedule a phone screen with you to provide details about the study and ask questions to determine if you may be a good fit. Phone screens take around 20 minutes.

  • Step 2: Intake

    After signing a consent form via email, you’ll have an intake assessment via Teams. You will be asked about your mental health and how symptoms may be affecting you. Intake appointments usually take around 3 hours. After your intake is completed, you will be notified if you qualify for a study.

  • Step 3: Study Visits

    Depending on the study, you will have different types of visits. Often, they are virtual. Study visits could include assessments of your abilities or meeting with your therapist for treatment. A team member will work with you to schedule the right visits.

  • Step 4: Follow Ups

    We like to keep track of how you are doing after treatment to better evaluate how well it worked. Complete online surveys and schedule follow up assessments at various time points. A member of the study team will let you know when your follow up visits can be expected.

Our Studies

Our Studies

Stellate-Ganglion Block and 1-Week CPT

A Stellate-Ganglion Block is an injection of medication in the neck which helps provide symptom relief for those with PTSD by working with the nervous system. Stellate-Ganglion Blocks are safe, with very minimal risk or side effects. The TREAT Lab is studying how effective a Stellate-Ganglion Block is when combined with 1-week CPT. Participants will be randomized to receive either an active Stellate-Ganglion Block or a placebo injection and then complete 1-week of CPT virtually.

Is this study right for you?

  • Individuals 18 and older

  • Fluent in English

  • Have experienced a traumatic event in your lifetime

  • Able to come to Rush University Medical Center one time to receive the injection by a trained professional (ask us about transportation options!)

  • Have never received a Stellate-Ganglion Block prior

Participants will:

  • Complete interviews with study staff at 1-month and 3-month follow up

  • Attend an appointment at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago to receive the injection

  • Attend CPT twice per day for 1-week

  • Complete surveys throughout the study duration