Fremont

Researchers are evaluating a brief talk therapy treatment called Prolonged Exposure for Primary Care (PE-PC) to reduce post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in First Responders and Healthcare workers. The study compares this treatment to usual care provided by Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), aiming to see if PE-PC can improve PTSD symptoms and overall functioning more effectively. Participants will receive either PE-PC or EAP Treatment as Usual (TAU). PE-PC involves 4 to 6 weekly sessions of 30 minutes each, delivered either in person or via telehealth, focusing on the most effective components of prolonged exposure therapy. TAU consists of up to six sessions of solution-focused therapy and referrals to specialized PTSD care, delivered according to each EAP's usual practice. Both groups complete surveys and homework during and after treatment. During the study, participants will be assessed for PTSD symptoms using standardized checklists from the start until six months later. Researchers will monitor all care received during the study, including therapy attendance and medication use. Safety evaluations will include checking for cognitive impairment and suicide risk. The total participation time covers treatment and follow-up assessments to measure changes in PTSD symptoms over six months.