Testing a Therapy Toolkit for Deaf People with Alcohol and Trauma

This is the first major therapy study designed specifically for Deaf Americans who are dealing with both problem drinking and trauma. Researchers are testing a program called Seeking Safety combined with the Signs of Safety toolkit—a set of materials created in American Sign Language to help Deaf people access mental health treatment in a way that truly works for them. The study will compare this new approach to regular supportive counseling to see which helps people most.

Deaf Americans experience problem drinking at nearly three times the rate of hearing Americans, and many have experienced trauma or abuse. However, there are currently no evidence-based therapy programs designed for Deaf patients—existing treatments were created for hearing people and often don't account for Deaf people's language needs and unique life experiences. This trial aims to fill that gap.