Program evaluation of a peer-led posttraumatic stress disorder psychoeducation group for veterans considering treatment services in a Veterans Affairs specialty clinic.
TL;DR
PTSD 101, a psychoeducation group led by peer specialists offered in a specialty PTSD clinic for veterans considering new PTSD services, was implemented and significant improvements were also noted in measures of PTSD symptoms, depression symptoms, and illness management strategies and recovery outcomes.
Abstract
There is a recognized need for efforts that promote utilization and completion of trauma-focused evidence-based psychotherapies (EBPs) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Patients referred to PTSD specialty clinics are often reluctant to engage in EBPs, especially if they are treatment-naive or had prior negative treatment experiences. To address this reluctance, we implemented PTSD101, a psychoeducation group led by peer specialists offered in a specialty PTSD clinic for veterans considering new PTSD services. This present study aimed to conduct a program evaluation of PTSD101 using pre-post data. The structured group consisted of seven 90-min sessions addressing: (a) civilian readjustment; (b) effects of trauma; (c) trust, safety, and self-care; (d) coping/healing; (e) survival strategies and relationships; (d) substance use and medication; and (f) PTSD treatment. Data were collected from 34 veterans across multiple group cohorts. Following completion of the group, over half of the veterans (n = 18) initiated a new behavioral health treatment service, including trauma-focused EBPs (n = 11). Significant improvements were also noted in measures of PTSD symptoms, depression symptoms, and illness management strategies and recovery outcomes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).