Addressing Deficits in the Utilization of Empirically Supported Treatments for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Training the Future of Army Psychology.

The estimated incidence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among individuals who have fought in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan is between 13% and 17% (Joint Mental Health Advisory Team [J-MHAT 7], 2011). Fortunately, several empirically supported treatments (ESTs) exist that are quick and effective, including prolonged exposure (PE) and cognitive processing therapy (CPT; Foa et al., 2005; Monson et al., 2012; Resick, Nishith, Weaver, Astin, & Feuer, 2002). However, many clinicians do not implement these modalities for multiple reasons, the most prevailing barrier being a lack of training (Becker, Zayfert, & Anderson, 2004; Grace, 2013). The psychology training program in the Department of Behavioral Medicine at Brooke Army Medical Center has sought to address this issue by implementing a 2-year EST training program for psychology predoctoral interns and postdoctoral residents. The first step in the process is to train interns on EST protocols through workshops that include didactic training, review of video of treatment, and role-play. The next step is to provide the trainees with supervised experiences utilizing EST protocols. From 2011-2013, our trainees began treatment with an EST for PTSD with 153 individuals, and 65 individuals completed an EST treatment protocol. These clinicians graduate from the training program after receiving extensive didactic training, clinical experience, and ongoing supervision and consultation aimed at increasing familiarity in the utilization of PE and CPT.