Brief Cognitive Behavioral Treatment of Deployment-Related PTSD Symptoms in Primary Care Settings

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) protocol designed specifically for use by behavioral health consultants (BHC) working in an integrated primary care setting. The treatment will be provided by a BHC in four 30-minute appointments scheduled approximately once a week in primary care over a one month period. Treatment content was largely drawn from a Prolonged Exposure model, but also includes elements of Cognitive Processing Therapy.

Participants assigned to minimal contact (MC) will be asked to not work with another therapist or seek additional treatment for trauma-related difficulties during the 6-week MC period. They will be called once per week by the Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC) in order to monitor their status and to provide support as needed. The calls will be limited to 5-10 minutes.