TREATMENTS OFFERED

[Video 6 - What does participating in trauma-focused, structured therapy mean?]

[Video 7 - What are some of the benefits and challenges of therapy?]

Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)

Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) has been proven to be one of the most helpful PTSD therapies for Veterans. PE could reduce your symptoms of PTSD, help you feel better overall, and help you reach your substance use goals.

In PE, individuals revisit thoughts and memories related to their trauma. This happens with the support of a caring therapist. We understand that confronting these memories can be intimidating. PE therapists work closely with Veterans to make sure they always feel safe and in control.

The goal of PE is to help Veterans learn how to manage their trauma related feelings and memories. This can lead to improved daily life and functioning.

Typically, PE is delivered:

● In about 12 sessions (session number may vary depending on your response).

● Once a week.

● In 60-90 minute sessions.

● Over about 3-5 months.

PE is flexible, and there is growing support for delivering PE in a “massed” format. Massed delivery of PE (M-PE) increases the number of PE sessions to 3-5 per week. In M-PE, Veterans finish PTSD treatment in 2-4 weeks instead of 3-5 months.

[Video 8 - What is prolonged exposure therapy?]

Does PE work?

Over twenty high quality studies have shown:

• PE improves PTSD symptoms and overall functioning in Service Members and Veterans.

• PE is effective for Veterans with PTSD who also have a SUD.

• Participating in PE at the same time as SUD treatment can lead to better improvements in both PTSD and SUD symptoms.

The VA has offered PE for over 15 years. Thousands of Veterans have benefited from this

treatment.

PE in this Study

PE is typically delivered over 12 sessions. Although, this may vary depending on response. This study compares PE delivered in massed and weekly formats:

• Massed PE (M-PE)

  • Individual M-PE sessions occur 3-5 times per week.

  • A full course of M-PE can be completed in 3-4 weeks.

  • 60-minute sessions.

• Weekly PE (W-PE)

  • Individual W-PE sessions occur once a week.

  • A full course of W-PE can be completed in about 12 weeks, or 3 months.

  • 60-minute sessions.

Participants will be assigned by chance (like by the flip of a coin) to participate in either W-PE or M-PE. This means neither participants nor their provider can choose which frequency they will receive.

[Video 9 - What is weekly vs. massed treatment?]

Massed PE is a Promising Alertnative

PE is traditionally delivered once per week. M-PE is a promising alternative for Veterans. M-PE may limit distractions and improve motivation, making greater participation  possible. Prior studies have shown:

• People who receive M-PE often attend more sessions.

• People who receive M-PE complete PE more often than those who receive W-PE. 

• M-PE results in large improvements in PTSD symptoms.

M-PE has not yet been studied among Veterans who are also receiving substance use treatment multiple times per week. We hypothesize that M-PE may make it possible for more Veterans with PTSD and SUD to finish and benefit from PE.

Have more questions? Visit our FAQ page!