Specialized PTSD Treatment
Programs in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
A National Center for PTSD Fact
Sheet
The Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers provides a
network of more than 100 specialized programs for veterans with PTSD
and works closely with the Vet
Centers operated by VA's Readjustment Counseling Service.
Each specialized PTSD program offers veterans education,
evaluation, and treatment conducted by mental-health professionals
from a variety of disciplines (such as psychiatry, psychology, social
work, counseling, and nursing).
Outpatient PTSD Programs include three basic types of clinics in
which veterans meet with a PTSD specialist for regularly scheduled
appointments. PTSD Clinical Teams (PCTs) provide group and one-to-one
evaluation, education, counseling, and psychotherapy. Substance Use
PTSD Teams (SUPTs) offer outpatient education, evaluation, and
counseling for the combined problems of PTSD and substance abuse.
Women's Stress Disorder Treatment Teams (WSDTTs) provide women
veterans group and one-to-one evaluation, counseling, and
psychotherapy.
Day Hospital PTSD Programs include two basic approaches to
providing a "therapeutic community." Veterans with PTSD can
attend these community programs several times weekly for social,
recreational, and vocational activities as well as for counseling. Day
Treatment PTSD Units provide one-to-one case management and
counseling, group therapy, education, and activities in order to help
clients live successfully with PTSD. Treatment and socialization
activities are scheduled for several hours each day during the day and
evening hours. Residential (Lodger) PTSD Units also offer one-to-one
case management and counseling, group therapy, education, and
activities for several hours each day. While enrolled in daytime and
evening PTSD treatment, lodger clients may live temporarily in secure
quarters that do not have 24-hour nursing supervision.
Inpatient PTSD Programs include four basic types of service and are
conducted while veterans reside in hospital units that provide 24-hour
nursing and psychiatric care. Specialized Inpatient PTSD Units (SIPUs)
provide trauma-focused evaluation, education, and psychotherapy for a
period of 28 to 90 days of hospital admission. Evaluation and Brief
Treatment of PTSD Units (EBTPUs) provide PTSD evaluation, education,
and psychotherapy for a briefer period ranging from 14 to 28 days.
PTSD Residential Rehabilitation Programs (PRRPs) provide PTSD
evaluation, education, counseling, and case management that focuses on
helping the survivor resume a productive involvement in community
life. PRRP admissions tend to be 28 to 90 days. PTSD Substance Use
Programs (PSUs) provide combined evaluation, education, and counseling
for substance use problems and PTSD. PSU admissions range from 14 to
90 days.
For more information about these treatment programs, including
locations and contact information, go to the United
States Department of Veterans Affairs website. The website
provides a wide range of information on veterans' benefits and
treatment facilities.
