Delivery Considerations of Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD

Background and Introduction Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is an evidenced based psychotherapy for PTSD. It is considered a first line treatment and has ample evidence supporting it's effectiveness (ISTSS and VA/DOD clinical practice guidelines). This therapy is manualized and a framework is provided to ensure consistent delivery. Additionally, the VA Office of Mental Health Operations sponsors training and dissemination of CPT throughout the VA system and the PI of this study is a trainer and consultant of this therapy. Flexibility exists in the protocol and CPT can be delivered in unorthodox modalities such as telehealth (Moreland et al, 2015) and on compressed time schedules (Held et al, 2020; Bryan et al, 2018). While the literature supports the effectiveness of these interventions in unique settings, no known studies have looked at outcome data of real-world outpatient clinics. The PTSD Clinical Team provides CPT as part of it's standard care with a variety of adaptations. The team practices measurement based care and routinely collects self-report symptom inventories to track patient progress. This study aims to use data collected as part of standard care in this clinic to evaluate the effectiveness of these treatment adaptations in this setting.

Purpose and Objectives The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of how CPT for PTSD is delivered. Initial areas of review will include in person vs. telehealth delivery and timing (daily vs. weekly).

Inclusion criteria

• PTSD diagnosis
• Veterans eligible for VA care
• Treatment seeking Veterans

Exclusion criteria

• PTSD not priority of treatment due to comorbidity, safety, etc. All patients that would be treated for PTSD in outpatient clinic are included.