Menominee

Researchers are evaluating different approaches to talk therapy for patients with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to find out which method works best. The study focuses on whether starting treatment with one type of therapy is more effective than starting with another, and whether switching therapies after four sessions helps more than continuing the same therapy. The goal is to reduce PTSD symptoms using a stepped-care model that adjusts treatment intensity based on early response. Participants receive one of two main behavioral treatments: Prolonged Exposure for Primary Care (PE-PC) or Clinician Supported PTSD Coach App therapy. PE-PC involves four weekly 30-minute sessions introducing exposure exercises, with adjustments after the fourth session or nine weeks based on response. Slow responders may continue with full Prolonged Exposure therapy, which includes eight weekly 60-minute sessions with daily exposure exercises at home. Early responders in either group may reduce session frequency during the second stage of treatment. During the study, participants' PTSD symptoms will be measured using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) at baseline and three months. Additional assessments include self-reported PTSD symptoms, depression levels, and quality of life. The study involves regular clinician support sessions, app use, and exposure practices. Researchers aim to monitor symptom changes and treatment adherence over the course of therapy lasting up to 17 weeks, with randomized group assignments and single masking to help assess outcomes.