Cognitive Processing Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder via Telehealth: Practical Considerations During the COVID‐19 Pandemic

Abstract

The global outbreak of COVID-19 has required mental health providers to rapidly rethink and how they provide care. Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) is a trauma-focused, evidence-based treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder that is effective when delivered inperson or via telehealth. Given current limitations on the provision of in-person mental health treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic, this article presents guidelines and treatment considerations when implementing CPT via telehealth. Based on lessons learned from prior studies and clinical delivery of CPT via telehealth, recommendations are made with regard to overall strategies for adapting CPT to a telehealth format, including how to conduct routine assessments and ensure treatment fidelity.

COVID-19: psychological effects on a COVID-19 quarantined population in Bangladesh

“…The hard work of persons and governments to get better wellbeing literacy could make a significant contribution to COVID-19 infection control and management (Nguyen et al, 2020). Cognitive processing therapy is a trauma-centric, scientifically proven management that can be effective for post-traumatic stress disorder through personal contact or by means of telehealth (Moring et al, 2020). Depression and PTSD, both were generally clinically established as a cluster of symptoms which last for 6 months.…”

Rapid Telehealth Implementation during the COVID-19 Global Pandemic: A Rapid Review

“…The rapid implementation of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic necessitates both timely and efficient regulations. As a result, both patient and provider experience are major factors when implementing telehealth policy changes [ 17 , 27 ]. There is also a prevailing focus to address the needs of individuals receiving care by way of telehealth, particularly centered around the principle of informed consent [ 17 , 18 , 21 , 25 ].…”

Digital Health Solutions for Mental Health Disorders During COVID-19

“…As countries re-open, at-risk individuals can be directed to AI-based chatbots providing automated support as well as triage in a “sorting conveyor” operational model to further escalate care as appropriate to in-person or telehealth mental health services based on patient risk profile ( 3 , 16 ). These requires modifications to traditional practice as described for telehealth cognitive processing therapy (CPT) services to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition likely to increase in coming months even among healthcare professionals due to the prolonged stress of frontline services or rationalizing care in some regions ( 4 , 53 ).…”