Implementation of evidence-based psychotherapies for posttraumatic stress disorder in Azerbaijan

Background: Following the second Karabakh War, mental health services in Azerbaijan encountered significant challenges due to an increased number of traumatised individuals. To address the needs of people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), two evidence-based treatments, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Written Exposure Therapy (WET), have been selected for future implementation in the country.Objective: This study aims to present preliminary findings on the training and implementation of CPT and WET.Method: Forty-two clinicians participated in the training programme, with 24 enrolled in CPT training and 18 in WET training. The programme included a self-administered online course, workshops, and consultations. Following each phase of training, clinicians completed the Perceived Characteristics of Intervention Scale (PICS) to assess the effectiveness and legitimacy of trauma-focused therapies.Results: Our results indicated a positive trend in perception from one assessment to another (F(2, 82) = 20.2, p < .001, η²p = .330), along with a decrease in perceived risk associated with treatment (F(2, 82) = 5.3, p < .007, η²p = .114). Additionally, the study found that belonging to either the CPT or WET training group did not significantly influence positive perception.Conclusions: These findings confirm the feasibility of utilising CPT and WET by clinicians providing services for PTSD patients in Azerbaijan.