The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the effectiveness of trauma-focused therapies for improving mental health symptoms and daily functioning in youth with chronic medical conditions who have experienced psychological trauma and trauma-related distress. The study evaluates two evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapies - Structured Psychotherapy for Adolescents Responding to Chronic Stress (SPARCS) and the Unified Protocol (UP) - delivered in group and individual formats to determine which approach, or combination of approaches, best reduces trauma symptoms and supports coping and adjustment. The study will also help researchers understand how to best support youth who continue to experience distress after an initial round of therapy. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does SPARCS group therapy or UP group therapy lead to greater improvements in trauma symptoms and functional impairment? * For youth who do not show enough improvement after group therapy, does adding SPARCS or UP individual therapy lead to better outcomes? * Which sequence of group and individual therapies leads to the greatest improvements in trauma symptoms and functioning? Researchers will compare two evidence-based therapies currently offered at Ann \& Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. Youth will first be randomly assigned to receive either SPARCS or UP in a group format. After completing group therapy, youth who still need additional support will be randomly assigned again to receive individual or family therapy using SPARCS or UP. This stepwise approach will help identify which sequence of therapies leads to the best overall outcomes for youth. Participants will: * Take part in group therapy sessions using either SPARCS or UP * For those needing additional support after group therapy, participate in individual SPARCS or UP therapy * Complete brief assessments of mental health and daily functioning at enrollment, and every 12 weeks thereafter for 48 weeks, as part of their regular care through Ann \& Robert H. Lurie Children's Supporting Purposeful Interventions \& Resilience in Trauma (SPIRIT) program
Age range
8 Years – 18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Pediatric Traumatic Stress Screening Tool (Caregiver Report)
Timeframe: Baseline; 12 weeks post-baseline; 24 weeks post-baseline; 36 weeks post-baseline; 48 weeks post-baseline.
Pediatric Traumatic Stress Screening Tool (Youth Self-Report)
Timeframe: Baseline; 12 weeks post-baseline; 24 weeks post-baseline; 36 weeks post-baseline; 48 weeks post-baseline.
Revised Children's Anxiety and Depression Scale - 25
Timeframe: Baseline; 12 weeks post-baseline; 24 weeks post-baseline; 36 weeks post-baseline; 48 weeks post-baseline.
The Revised Children's Anxiety and Depression Scale - 25, Parent
Timeframe: Baseline; 12 weeks post-baseline; 24 weeks post-baseline; 36 weeks post-baseline; 48 weeks post-baseline.
Ohio Scales for Youth Functioning Scale (Caregiver Report)
Timeframe: Baseline; 12 weeks post-baseline; 24 weeks post-baseline; 36 weeks post-baseline; 48 weeks post-baseline.
Ohio Scales for Youth Functioning Scale (Youth Self-Report)
Timeframe: Baseline; 12 weeks post-baseline; 24 weeks post-baseline; 36 weeks post-baseline; 48 weeks post-baseline.