Teen PTSD

Study is now open!

Welcome to the Virtual Therapy Study for Teens (13–19) with PTSD!

We are currently recruiting participants for a clinical research study offering free virtual therapy for teenagers (ages 13–19) who have experienced a traumatic event and are experiencing symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

What Is PTSD?

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can happen after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, like violence, abuse, an accident, or the death of someone close. It can cause symptoms like:

• Bad memories, flashbacks, or nightmares

• Avoiding reminders of what happened

• Feeling jumpy, anxious, or on edge

• Trouble sleeping or focusing

This study is designed to help treat these symptoms.

About the Study

We’re testing a type of therapy called Written Exposure Therapy (WET). It’s a short, structured treatment where you write about what happened in a safe and supported way. The goal is to help reduce PTSD symptoms and make things feel more manageable.

Sessions are held once a week for 5 weeks, and they happen online over Zoom for Healthcare—a secure video platform approved for clinical use.

Each session is private (just you and your coach), and lasts about 40 to 60 minutes.

What Will You Do If You Join?

1. Fill out a few questionnaires about how you’re feeling

2. Attend 5 virtual therapy sessions over Zoom with a trained coach

3. Complete follow-up questionnaires to share how things went

Everything you share is confidential and protected. You can stop participating at any time.

Who Can Join?

You may be eligible if you:

• Are 13 to 19 years old

• Have been through something traumatic

• Are dealing with symptoms like anxiety, flashbacks, or trouble sleeping

• Have access to the internet and a private space to talk

Taking part is voluntary, and there is no cost to join.

Interested? Have Questions?

Email us at TeenPTSD@iwk.nshealth.ca to learn more or ask questions. We’re happy to walk you through the process and help you decide if it’s a good fit.

This could be a step toward feeling better—and we’re here to support you.