Abstract
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is implementing two trauma-focused, evidence-based psychotherapies (TF-EBPs) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD): cognitive processing therapy and prolonged exposure therapy (PE). Veterans with PTSD often do not receive these treatments, and little is known about the reasons veterans may not receive TF-EBPs. The aim of this qualitative study was to summarize clinician-reported reasons in medical records for nonreceipt of TF-EBPs. All veterans (N = 63) identified through PTSD screening who were newly engaged in mental health care and received individual evaluations in a PTSD specialty clinic in fiscal year 2008 were included in the sample. Content analysis of electronic medical records revealed multiple potential reasons for nonreceipt of TF-EBPs including referral to other PTSD treatments, other clinical priorities, poor engagement in care, practical barriers, negative beliefs, and receipt of care in other settings. Eight veterans (13 %) initiated TF-EBPs. Further interventions to promote engagement in PTSD treatment are warranted.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 71-87 |
Number of pages | 17 |
Journal | Journal of Behavioral Health Services and Research |
Volume | 43 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 2016 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Health(social science)
- Health Policy
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health