Project COMET: Massed Prolonged Exposure for PTSD and SUD

This study, called Project COMET, is looking at a treatment called Massed Prolonged Exposure Therapy (M-PE) for adults who have both Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Substance Use Disorders (SUD). M-PE is a type of therapy delivered over a shorter time frame, like 10 sessions in 2-4 weeks, compared to weekly sessions. Researchers want to see if M-PE can better reduce PTSD symptoms and substance use compared to standard SUD care. They will also look at other important outcomes like depression, suicidal thoughts, and quality of life. You may be able to join if you are 18 or older, are already in SUD treatment, and meet criteria for both PTSD and SUD. The study is currently unclear on its recruitment status and plans to enroll 168 participants.

Study design
This is an interventional study comparing Massed Prolonged Exposure Therapy (M-PE) to standard outpatient SUD care. It plans to enroll 168 participants.
What's involved
Participants will receive either Massed Prolonged Exposure Therapy (M-PE) over 2-4 weeks or standard intensive outpatient SUD treatment, which includes resilience groups, peer support, and individual therapy.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Participants will be followed for 6 months after randomization, with assessments at 6 weeks, 10 weeks, 18 weeks, and 30 weeks.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT06968832

Project COMET: Massed Prolonged Exposure for PTSD and SUD

Recruiting
NAAges 18+InterventionalTreatment
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
~168 participants
Updated 2025-10-27 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Massed Prolonged Exposure Therapy (M-PE)Standard outpatient SUD care

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5)
Measured over Baseline; End of Treatment (6 weeks post-randomization); 1-month (10 weeks), 3-month (18 weeks), and 6-month (30 weeks) post-randomization follow-up
+1 more outcome measured
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Substance Use Disorders (SUD)
Comorbidity
Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders
1 sites across 1 states
Florida1
  • Sonya Norman Professor Of Clinical, Psychiatry, Ph.D · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of California, San Diego
Denise Hien Helen E. Chaney Endowed Chair in Alcohol Studies, Ph.D
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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Age 18+
Enrolled in SUD treatment at Gateway Community Services
Meet DSM-5 criteria for PTSD
Able to give informed consent

Exclusion

severe cognitive impairment
current suicidal or homicidal intent requiring immediate treatment
current unstable psychotic or manic symptoms not attributable to SUD
  • Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5)Baseline; End of Treatment (6 weeks post-randomization); 1-month (10 weeks), 3-month (18 weeks), and 6-month (30 weeks) post-randomization follow-up

    Measures PTSD symptom severity, score range 0-80, higher scores mean greater symptom severity

  • Time Line Follow back (TLFB)Baseline; End of Treatment (6 weeks post-randomization); 1-month (10 weeks), 3-month (18 weeks), and 6-month (30 weeks) post-randomization follow-up

    Measures percent days of alcohol or other drug use, score range 0-100%, higher scores indicate greater percent days of use