NCT06778044 ReDirection / Self-Guided ICBT to Reduce the Risk of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) Use
| NCT ID | NCT06778044 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre |
| Condition | Pedophilia |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 300 participants |
| Start Date | 2025-01-15 |
| Primary Completion | 2025-11 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 300 participants in total. It began in 2025-01-15 with a primary completion date of 2025-11.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
The creation and distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) is a large-scale global problem. CSAM is sometimes referred to as child pornography. It includes images, videos, live-streaming, and any other material that depicts sexual acts with a child or adolescent (i.e., a person under the age of 18). It also includes material that shows a child or adolescent in a sexually suggestive or explicit manner partially clothed, or nude, and can include material that does or does not illustrate sexual activity. CSAM use is a problem that continues to drastically increase in size despite the numerous political, police, and technological initiatives that have been put forth as solutions. Previous research also suggests that many active CSAM users desire help to stop their use, but have experienced difficulties finding support that is anonymous. Thus, there is a great need for anonymous intervention programs that assist active and at-risk CSAM users in developing skills to manage their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours related to CSAM. ReDirection is a free, anonymous, online, self-guided, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)-based program for individuals concerned about their use or risk to use CSAM. The treatment program is based on many years of clinical experience working with patients who have committed sexual offences, and the results of several previous research projects. This study will implement a scientifically rigorous design (a three-armed randomized waitlist-controlled trial) to evaluate two versions of this intervention (ReDirection 1.0 and ReDirection 2.0). The primary difference between the two versions of ReDirection is the length of the program and whether it includes the option for asynchronous messaging with a ReDirection specialist. The study design compares ReDirection 1.0 and ReDirection 2.0 with a waitlist control group. Participants in the waitlist control will wait six weeks before starting active treatment. While on the waitlist, participants will respond to questions about ongoing about sexual urges and behaviours. Participants will be recruited directly from the ReDirection website, where they will be directed to a secure platform designed specifically for clinical trials of internet-mediated CBT. This platform is called Iterapi. Potential participants learn about the ReDirection program through advertisements on both the "Clearnet" and "Darknet." All trial activities, including participant registration, random assignment, intervention, and evaluation will be conducted via Iterapi. Treatment includes five-to-six modules over five-to-six weeks and the content includes CBT-based psychoeducation and exercises that aim to help participants gain greater understanding of, and skills to manage risky sexual thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years of age or older * Able to read and understand English or Spanish * Have used or experienced urges to use CSAM within the last six months Exclusion Criteria: * Younger than 18 years of age * Unable to read and understand English or Spanish * Have not used or experienced urges to use CSAM within the last six months
Contact & Investigator
Carissa Augustyn, PhD
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT06778044 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, studying Pedophilia. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT06778044 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT06778044 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at redirectionprogram@proton.me for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT06778044 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Ottawa, Canada, Helsinki, Finland.
Who is sponsoring the NCT06778044 clinical trial?
NCT06778044 is sponsored by The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre. The principal investigator is Carissa Augustyn, PhD at The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre. The trial plans to enroll 300 participants.