Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the most common disorder among childhood sexual abuse survivors and is associated with substantial psychosocial and medical problems, but evidence-based treatment for PTSD in adolescents is lacking. This study aims to examine the efficacy and effectiveness of prolonged exposure therapy for adolescents with client-centered therapy.

Inclusion Criteria: female gender, age 13-18, and a primary DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of chronic or subthreshold PTSD related to sexual assault

Exclusion Criteria: current suicidal ideation with intent, uncontrolled bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, other thought disorders, or conduct disorder, the presence of a pervasive developmental disorder, initiation of treatment with psychotropic medication within the previous 12 weeks, and current inpatient psychiatric treatment