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A Web-Based Self-Management Program for Recent Combat Veterans With PTSD and Substance Misuse: Program Development
Kyle Possemato1, Michelle C Acosta2, Juanita Fuentes3
1Center for Integrated Healthcare, Syracuse Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Syracuse University.
Cognitive and Behavioral Practice
|June 30, 2015
Summary
A new web-based program using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) skills helps combat veterans manage posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use. Feedback from veterans and clinicians ensured the program is engaging, private, and tailored to their needs.
Area of Science:
- Mental Health Technology
- Military Psychology
- Digital Therapeutics
Background:
- Combat veterans frequently experience PTSD and substance use disorders.
- Barriers to care include beliefs about treatment ineffectiveness and self-reliance.
- Web-based interventions offer a potential solution to increase access for this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the development of a web-based self-management program for PTSD and substance use in combat veterans.
- To report on veteran and clinician feedback to optimize the program.
- To inform clinicians on developing technology-based mental health treatments.
Main Methods:
- Iterative, multistage development process.
- Feedback from expert clinicians (n=3).
- Focus groups with combat veterans (n=18).
- Individual feedback sessions with combat veterans (n=34).
Main Results:
- Clinician feedback led to motivational strategies and a trauma exposure module.
- Veteran feedback emphasized strength-based framing, flexibility, interactivity, and privacy.
- Veterans found the program likable, easy to use, and relevant, with revisions improving clarity and interest.
Conclusions:
- Gathering target audience feedback is crucial for adapting psychotherapeutic interventions.
- Web-based treatments must be highly interactive and private to effectively engage veterans.
- This development process provides guidance for creating effective digital mental health tools for veterans.
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