stella
PTSDApril 2026Summary reviewed June 2026

An Online Therapy Program Reduced Stress Symptoms in Kids After Hospitalization

Scientists tested an online therapy program called ReSeT for children who developed stress symptoms after being hospitalized for injuries like broken bones or burns. Kids who used the program had fewer stress symptoms than those who got usual care, and the benefits lasted at least six months.

What the trial was testing

The RESET enrolled 93 patients with ptsd. The study was sponsored by University of Utah and tracked outcomes across the full group of patients who matched the trial's eligibility profile.

Researchers followed patients through treatment and into recovery, tracking the outcomes that mattered most for the disease being studied.

What the results showed

Children using the online therapy program had significantly fewer stress symptoms at 10 weeks and 6 months after their injury.

JAMA pediatrics · 2026 · NCT04838977

These findings — that kids using online therapy had 4-5 points lower stress scores than those getting usual care — were published in the JAMA pediatrics and represent the headline result of the study.

Researchers tracked outcomes across 93 patients enrolled in the trial. The result was consistent enough across the group that the team felt confident reporting it.

What this means for patients

For patients with ptsd, this result changes the calculus on what to ask their care team about. Whether it changes day-to-day care depends on factors like disease subtype, prior treatments, and where the patient is in their care journey.

What you can do now

This was mid-stage testing and the ReSeT program is not yet widely available as a standard treatment. If your child is struggling with stress or nightmares after a serious injury, talk to their doctor about trauma-focused therapy options. Some hospitals may offer similar programs, and cognitive behavioral therapy is proven to help with post-injury stress.

Eligibility for the treatments mentioned above depends on specific test results and clinical history. Bring this summary, the trial name, and your most recent labs or pathology report to your next visit.