Faculty Collaboration Database

Life After EBPs: Characterizing Subsequent Engagement in Evidence-Based Psychotherapy After Completion of an Initial Trauma-Focused EBP in a National Sample of VA Patients. Adm Policy Ment Health 2025 Mar;52(2):441-453

Date

11/13/2024

Pubmed ID

39532814

DOI

10.1007/s10488-024-01422-x

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-105001072784 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   1 Citation

Abstract

Many Veterans who complete prolonged exposure (PE) or cognitive processing therapy (CPT) report residual symptoms, but it is unclear how to best address the mental health needs of these individuals. Examining patterns of mental health service utilization following completion of these two treatments may provide insight into how to best serve this group of individuals. In a large cohort of Veterans (N = 12,514) who sought treatment in the Veterans Health Administration during Fiscal Years 2015-2019, logistic regression models were used to assess the odds of initiating an additional course of trauma-focused (i.e., PE or CPT) or depression-focused psychotherapy in the year following completion of PE or CPT based on demographic, psychiatric, and treatment effectiveness-related variables. Approximately 9% of Veterans engaged in either trauma-(6%) or depression-(3%) related psychotherapy in the year following discharge from PE or CPT. Factors associated with increased odds of trauma-focused treatment initiation included having a sleep disorder diagnosis (OR = 1.23), a substance use disorder diagnosis (OR = 1.27), or experiencing military sexual trauma (OR = 1.64). Factors associated with increased odds of depression-focused treatment initiation included having a depression diagnosis (OR = 2.02). This study suggests that certain subgroups of Veterans who engage in PE or CPT (e.g., Veterans with comorbid sleep or substance use problems) are more likely to seek additional evidence-based treatment and may require augmentations to maximize clinical benefits, either during the initial course of treatment or subsequent to PTSD treatment.

Author List

Grau PP, Ganoczy D, Larsen SE, LoSavio ST, Sripada RK

Author

Sadie E. Larsen PhD Professor in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Evidence-Based Practice
Female
Humans
Implosive Therapy
Male
Mental Health Services
Middle Aged
Patient Acceptance of Health Care
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
Substance-Related Disorders
United States
United States Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans